EAST LANSING, Mich. — A powerful event took place today as members of the mid-Michigan community came together for a five-mile walk across Michigan State University’s campus to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The event was a reminder of the importance of solidarity and the ongoing fight to prevent suicide, especially among young adults.
Among the participants was MSU freshman Trinity McGhee, who shared how the transition from high school to college had been a difficult one for her. McGhee, who has experienced her own mental health struggles, explained that the shift from being surrounded by family and friends to suddenly being on a large campus had taken a toll on her. Despite not knowing anyone personally who had taken their life, McGhee felt compelled to take part in the walk to remind others that they are not alone.
“Just being able to stand in solidarity with people who have lost loved ones to suicide means a lot,” McGhee said. “It’s important for people to know they’re not alone in this.”
McGhee emphasized the importance of finding community when facing mental health challenges, noting that isolation can often be the most damaging enemy. She encouraged others to reach out, as bearing the weight of emotional struggles alone can be overwhelming.
The event featured participants wearing honor beads as a visual representation of those who had lost their lives to suicide. Each bead symbolized a different experience, from the loss of a spouse or child to the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. For many, the beads served as a silent yet powerful connection with others who shared similar experiences.
Sarah Fay-Koutz, one of the event organizers, spoke about the significance of the beads and how they helped foster a sense of shared grief and understanding. “The beads represent different things. Sometimes the loss of a spouse, the loss of a child, loss of friends, and sometimes the struggles of members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Fay-Koutz explained. “When you see someone else wearing the same bead, you don’t have to say a word. You immediately have something in common with that person.”
The walk was not just an event for students, but also for members of the broader community, highlighting the collective effort to address the widespread issue of suicide. The event underscored the importance of mental health awareness, the need for community support, and the continuing fight to provide resources for those at risk.
As the walk came to a close, it was clear that the participants were not just walking for themselves, but for the many lives lost to suicide. Their shared experience and support for one another illustrated the power of community in combating the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of standing together to create lasting change.
