Walkers brave wet weather for suicide prevention awareness

Lansing — William Atkin’s brother died after committing suicide in 1979. On Sunday in Potter Park, he shared his memories with people who also had people they care about die from suicide.

“The value of life has become diminished,” Atkin said. “People don’t understand that life is a gift, not an option.”

Atkin is a volunteer for Out of the Darkness community walks. These walks, which promote suicide prevention and awareness, occur nationwide.

The fourth annual Lansing walk was held Sunday morning in Potter Park, 1300 S. Pennsylvania Ave., in Lansing.

The walk was about five miles long and took about an hour and a half to complete.

The Lansing walk is one of 13 such walks held statewide and 200 walks nationwide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

“There is more stress for some people who are away from home for the first time,” said Katie Atkin, William’s wife.

“It’s important to talk about it.”

At the registration table at the park Sunday, a litany of names of the dead were written on a board underneath the phrase “Why I walk.”

Marcy Montgomery organized the previous walks and said young people are vulnerable to depression.

“Peer pressure or bullying someone who doesn’t have much self-esteem can lead people to becoming depressed,” she said.

Kevin Epling, senior multimedia manager at MSU, had his son, Matt, die after committing suicide following a bullying incident.

According to a Web site tribute made by his parents, Matt had just finished eighth grade when he was assaulted and “hazed” in what was called a school tradition. Little was done to the attackers at the time because many people didn’t think it was a big deal.

Forty days later, Matt took his own life.

“People don’t hear about suicides as a result of bullying,” Atkin said. “School shootings are what grab the headlines and people don’t seem to think bullying can lead to suicide as well.”

In the park, there were also many young children who had family die. One boy held a sign that read “I Love Daddy” along with a picture of his father.

The weather Sunday morning was cold and wet, cutting the number of walkers from the usual 100 to about 35.

As the walk began, however, the sun came out and a rainbow appeared, leading them out of the darkness.

“People need to know that tomorrow is a new day,” Atkin said.

Published on Sunday, September 7, 2008