Why We Exist by Dawn Adamek
Updated: Oct 21, 2018
We created Pensacola Survivors, Inc. in February 2018 to provide a local resource to help anyone who has lost a loved one, family or friend, to suicide. Those of us involved in this nonprofit organization have experienced suicide loss or know first hand the battle for our own mental health wellness. We want to get people talking about suicide and mental health wellness just as easy as we do last night's episode of the latest TV show. Staying silent about suicide and mental health wellness only feeds the stigma. It is time to Stop the Stigma!
When we started our journey, we received so many responses from people who struggle daily with their own personal demons or how they are handling the devastation of their own loss. Talking with others about how to deal with these problems they are experiencing helps break the feeling of being so alone in this world. We want to let anyone and everyone know they are not alone! You do not have to suffer in silence. We want to help connect people to get the help that is needed.
For those people who have lost a loved one, we know how hard it is. We have discovered from our greatest tragedy, helping someone else can be very therapeutic for us. It does not eliminate the hurt or pain at all, but spreading awareness to help stop suicide and comfort someone with a loss does help. In the simplest of terms, taking the bad and using it to do good is rewarding. We know that we are helping people, one person at a time.
We have had events that have brought people together in an absolutely positive environment, even though the subject matter is anything but positive. The whole point is to support each other, without judgment, letting them know that we understand and are there for them. We want to get people the help they need. By doing these things, we are helping ourselves along the way.
This is why we exist. We invite you to our Music for the Mind walk and event on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Seville Square. Join us to celebrate and honor the lives of loved ones lost, spread suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and enjoy the company of your local Pensacola area community members in a positive and encouraging environment. For more information, visit our event page.
