Today, Sept. 10, marks World Suicide Prevention Day and messages of hope abound.
In Premier Jason Kenney's address to Albertans today, he said too many Albertans know the profound and lasting pain that’s left over when a person ends their own life.
"On World Suicide Prevention Day, we stand with those who endure this loss, and the countless Albertans who are battling mental illness, like depression.
“Those Albertans are incredibly strong. They fight each and every day to make it through their struggle, and that strength must be recognized.
“But if you feel overwhelmed, if you are struggling with your own challenges that feel insurmountable, if you are one of those incredibly strong Albertans who fights each and every day through your hurt and pain, know this: You are loved. You are valuable. You are strong."
It's a message repeated many times at the fourth annual Conversation Has To Happen...again conference for those affected by suicide and depression held at the Olds College Alumni Centre on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Several people spoke throughout the day, including Olds resident Cindy Palin and Bowden resident Ron Taks.
In general, speakers said there is hope. There is help for those suffering from depression and for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Many speakers said they found help and solace through religion.
As a youth, Taks tried to commit suicide, due to a difficult family life. He became a heavy drinker and developed a sleep disorder. That strained his own family life as well.
"I'd watch the news and see someone die in a plane crash and I'll go, 'what a lucky guy.' This is unhealthy thinking and I'll tell my wife, 'this is what I'm thinking; I know it's wrong, but for me, it's body chemistry,'" Taks said.
"If I get the wrong things in me and the wrong balance, a person who generally loves life turns into someone who could care less if he lives another minute."
Over time, Taks learned to excercise and undertake stress management techniques. He recommends getting out in the sun as much as possible to improve mood and health. His faith has also helped him.
Cindy Palin, director of the Olds branch of the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre, told the crowd she has helped a lot of people suffering from depression and thoughts of suicide.
Through her work, Palin has heard many stories of pain and suffering. She has managed to cope through her strong faith and by working out her feelings through songs she writes at the piano.
She shared one of those songs which she hopes to not only record but even make into a play.
Here's a portion of the lyrics:
"Some day, the hungry will not ache.
"Some day, the rich and poor will shout 'we're up and off this filthy couch.
"Somebody stuck his neck out, somebody stuck his neck out."
"Thank you for sticking your neck out," she told the crowd as she ended her talk.
Another speaker was Ace Taito, who grew up in Hawaii, the son of a minister. He now lives in Washington State.
Taito joined a gang when he was only 11 years old and soon afterward became a notorious gang leader known as Mad Dog who ordered murders to be carried out.
He said that all stemmed from his anger over the hypocrisy of his father, who spoke one way from the pulpit telling people how to live Christian lives and love God, yet came home and abused his family — especially his wife.
"I was an angry kid. I wanted to get to the point. I wanted to hurt something or somebody — and I did,
he said. "I just wanted to kill him with my own bare hands."
Eventually Taito was arrested and jailed. He was told he'd never get out of prison. However, after a while, Taito started reading the Bible, changed his life around and was released from prison.
He even reconciled with his father.
"I'm standing before you as living proof that God can do the impossible," Taito said.
He received a standing ovation for his speech.
