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Survivors of suicide loss gather at Capitol for third annual event

Independent Record - 11/24/2019

Nov. 24--Many in Helena who have lost a loved one to suicide gathered in remembrance at an event in the Capitol rotunda Saturday.

The third annual event in Helena was held in conjunction with International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. It provided those in attendance the opportunity to interact with others who have lost a friend or family member to suicide.

Additionally, the event acted as a resource fair with organizations like Lewis and Clark County Health, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Intermountain, Montana Independent Living Project, Montana Mental Health, PureView Health Center, St. Peter's Health, Shodair Children's Hospital and many more in attendance. The organizations hope to share with the survivors of suicide loss the resources at their disposal in times of need.

"It can be scary to be here and you may not know what to expect," said Juliana Hallows, a national board-certified counselor licensed in mental health therapy.

Hallows has experienced loss from suicide both professionally and personally. She dedicates her time to prevention throughout military-affiliated communities. Additionally, she is a member of the Lewis and Clark County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

"I'm excited to see our community come together for this event," Hallows said. "I hope everyone here will find time to connect with someone they love or someone new."

Hallows reminded the audience that everyone in the room has had their own unique experience with suicide loss and people have different ways of coping.

Paul Harman, associate chief of staff for behavioral health at the Montana Veteran's Affairs Health Care System, was the keynote speaker for the event. Harman told the audience suicide is a topic that is very close to him in his work and one that has impacted him personally. His belief is that people heal from suicide loss not in isolation, but as a community.

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"I'm hoping we can inspire each other today to be the change this world needs," Harman said.

Harman shared the story of a friend named John that he lost to suicide. However, Harman didn't talk about John's suicide, but instead spoke to his life and the impact he had on others. This included personal stories of all the times John helped Harman and his family. Harman said he "touched many lives" in his time.

"John was truly the change he wanted to see in the world," Harman said. "All of us have stories like the one I shared about John."

As a mental health professional, Harman said he often feels like he should have all the answers. However, he explained that life showed him that is simply not the case. Harman ended by rallying the audience to "change the conversation and truly connect with others."

Event organizers also shared a new film titled "Pathways to Healing: Hope after Suicide Loss." The film is the newest by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and aims to share the stories of those who have found ways to cope after losing someone to suicide.

Pathways to Healing: Hope after Suicide Loss

Combating suicide is a constant struggle in Montana. For the past several years, the state has had the highest rate of death by suicide. Those survivors of suicide loss can often be forgotten in the statistics about suicide. International Survivors Day, and events like the one in Helena, hope to provide some solace for those individuals by letting them know they are not alone.

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