Local mental health advocates are gearing up for “Sunshine Sunday,” a day to emphasize help for victims of depression.

In a prelude to “Sunshine Sunday”, the Ashe Healthy Carolinians and Community Outreach held a “Preparing for Battle” program on Aug. 21 at the Jefferson United Methodist Church in an attempt to arm Ashe Countians with knowledge and empowerment for the war raged against depression and suicide.

One of the program’s focuses was to recruit community members in fighting to reduce the incidences of suicide in the county as well as providing support for survivors and family members who have had to experience this horrible ordeal. Also, the program strived to encourage those suffering with depression to seek medical help despite the ridicule or unjust mockery they may sustain from friends or even family members.

The program was an Ashe Suicide/Depression Awareness and Prevention task force project that provided some helpful hints on discerning signs of suicide and what to do if these signs were exhibited in family and friends.

According to ASAP, studies show that nearly 75 percent of confirmed suicide cases had signs of possible harmful or suicidal behavior in terms of how they acted. ASAP also noted how the majority of the population encounters suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point in their lives. Only 2 percent of all deaths are due to suicide.

One problem identified in depression cases has been that when people display signs of suicide or openly talk about their personal crisis, they are often not taken seriously or their problems are simply downplayed.

ASAP was formed in 1998 to lead the coalition against depression in the county and incorporates churches in the community into participating in “Sunshine Sunday” which attempts to educate people on the warning signs of depression and suicide while at the same time “helping reduce the stigma of mental illness in the community.”

Sherry Goodman, who lost her son Brandon Rinehart to suicide this past spring, spoke that evening about how the traumatizing occurrence of suicide in young adults can be avoided, and urged community members to take a firm stance against this growing trend.

“If you are a parent, please talk to your children about this. The word is suicide and it is an ugly thing. It may not be a topic you want to discuss, but you must. Don’t assume that your child would never consider suicide,” Goodman said.

Community Outreach Coordinator Nancy Kautz, commented on the significance of Goodman’s presentation and elaborated on what the community needs to do in order to deal with depression in sufferers of all ages.

“We were all moved by Sherry Goodman’s presentation,” Kautz said. “She really brought home the fact that suicide is unacceptable.”

Kautz went on to explain how the community’s role may be the fighting front against depression and suicide.

“We have alerted you of the issues concerning depression and suicide, now it is time for you as a community to decide what you can do to help.”

Through the duration of the evening, the 36 members who were in attendance used allotted time to brainstorm and discuss possible solutions in preventing suicide and treating depression, which is quickly becoming the world’s premier disability. Participants in the evening’s discussion were also provided with a “tools” packet that provides insight into what sufferers of depression are dealing with from their point of view as well as how to talk to someone who is contemplating suicide and what individuals can do to help those in dire times.

In addition to the “Preparing for Battle” program, AHC and ASAP have another upcoming event to further discuss how the community can reduce the incidence of suicide known as, “Walking Out of Darkness” and will be held 9 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the Old Courthouse in Jefferson. Also, the ASAP task force reminds the community that the “Sunshine Sunday Memorial Candlelight Vigil” will be held Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Ashe County Courthouse to commemorate and honor loved ones in Ashe County who have lost their lives to suicide.

Kautz summed up the overall theme of the evening’s discussion.

“I think people really left with a clear understanding of what their role in the fight against depression and suicide can be. I think by working together we can reverse this horrible trend.”