Troy Regional holds candlelight vigil in honor of Suicide Prevention Month

TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, over 800 lives are lost to suicide each year in Alabama; that’s not considering attempts or suicidal thoughts. Tuesday night, Troy Regional Medical Center held a candlelight vigil in memory of those who have died due to suicide.

Whether it’s a friend, family member, or community member, losing someone to suicide can have lasting impacts on a person. That’s why Troy Regional Medical Center created a space for the people of Troy to mourn those they have lost to or because of suicide.

“We want to assist in that grieving process to know that in memorializing those that we’ve lost, they’ve been lost but we want to love them and show dignity and remember those lives,” said Amy Minor, chief medical officer at TRM.

As the candles were lit, people shared stories if they were comfortable with it and other simply sat and contemplated their feelings. Hospital staff members hope that by sharing their own stories and experiences with suicide, others will realize they are not alone.

“I’ve lost a loved one, I loved a coworker here at the hospital, many community members, and friends,” Minor said. “It makes me want to get the word out even more, to let people know that there are resources, that there’s always hope.”

“It’s always a shock,” said Jonathan Sellers, director of marketing for TRM. “It’s the people that you think everything is okay. You think about the what ifs: ‘What could I have done? How could I have helped?'”

RESOURCES: Click here to see more of TrojanVision’s Suicide Prevention Month coverage

While it was a chance for community members to grieve the ones they’ve lost, Troy Regional Medical Center also wanted to stress the importance of getting help if you are struggling with your mental health.

“Just bringing hope, bringing thoughtfulness to the people who may be struggling, that’s what is important,” Sellers said. “Just for people to know that they’re not alone, there is somebody there for them and people are out there to help.”

It’s not just professionals that are there to help. It can be friends or family that are willing to talk or even just to listen.

“Just talk to somebody and let people know it’s ok to ask, ‘are you okay?’ Listen, nonjudgmentally,” Minor said. “People will often tell their story and not choose to end their life in suicide.””

Troy Regional Medical Center is always available to provide help for those struggling year-round, not just during the month of September. There is also a national hotline for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Simply dial 9-8-8 if you are in need of help.

According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins Medical Center, depression and suicidal ideation among college students has increased over the last 15 years. That study also showed symptoms have been reported more by women, minorities and students experiencing financial stress. Troy University does have its own support standing ready. Here’s some links to those resources.