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Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW East Longmeadow residents Diana and Paul Lewis are preparing to participate in the "Out of the Darkness Overnight" walk in Chicago, which seeks to raise money for research and prevention, and increase awareness of suicide. Their son, Ryan, completed suicide at the age of 14. He was a Boy Scout and a Fire Explorer in East Longmeadow. He also suffered from depression. On the evening of July 16, the Lewises will begin their 20-mile walk along the Chicago lakefront. The walk begins at dusk and ends at dawn on July 17. Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), money raised from the walk will support prevention programs, treatment research, the development of survivor support groups and public awareness campaigns. The Lewises did not participate in the overnight walk in Washington, D.C. two years ago because "emotionally, we weren't ready," Paul said. But he said he and his wife knew people who participated in that walk, and they came back exhilarated from the experience. "They were with people who also had losses, who shared their stories, and that inspired us," he said. Both Diana and Paul agreed that preparing for and participating in the walk will help in their healing process. "We lost our son, Ryan, four years ago and we have been walking ever since," Diana said. "This regular exercise has helped us manage our grief both physically and emotionally." She added that their family has also participated in the Out of the Darkness community walk for the last four years (it happens each September and starts at the Springfield Jewish Community Center) and they encourage anyone to join them. "[Suicide] is a lot more prevalant than people want to talk about," Diana said. "[But because there has been stigma or shame attached to it] people don't want to talk about it." She pointed out that, 20 years ago, people hesitated to talk about breast cancer. But today there are many thriving organizations dedicated to researching and curing the disease. Diana also said that people may have preconceptions about suicide because of the way it is portrayed in movies or television shows, or even the way it is reported by members of the press. "Suicide is a popular sub-plot," Diana added. She also said many people may assume a family is "dysfunctional" if a member of it completes suicide, but the Lewises pointed out that the main family link is often genetic, as in their case. "Ryan is the third member of our family who has completed suicide," Paul said. While the Lewises are covering all their own expenses in traveling to Chicago for the walk, there is a $1,000 fund-raising requirement for participants. "We are doing the walk to honor him and keep his memory alive," Diana said. They pointed out that the money raised goes straight to AFSP for its programs. To donate to the Lewises' walk and support the goals of the AFSP, checks may be sent to Diana and Paul Lewis, 246 Prospect St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Donations may also be made online at www.theovernight.org/ryanshope and donors may make a contribution in either Diana or Paul's name. Donations are tax deductible. The Lewises have also said, if anyone who donates has lost a loved one to suicide, they will write that person's name on their t-shirt(s) which will be worn during the 20-mile walk. Facts about suicide and depression from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Depression and suicide are subjects shrouded in stigma. Talking about suicide will help foster dialogue and encourage people to get help. Studies indicate that the best way to prevent suicide is through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and other mood disorders. More than 30,000 in the U.S. die by suicide annually. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teen and young adults in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death among college age young adults. Experts estimate that a suicide attempt is made each minute, every day. 90 percent of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of death. Depression affects more than 20 million people in the U.S. Depression is among the most treatable of mood disorders. More than 80 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment. For more information on depression or suicide prevention visit www.afsp.org or call 888-333-AFSP. | ||||||
