Just over a week after Woodstock students walked out of class to draw attention to local suicide rates, people are already seeing a difference.
Last Tuesday, students crowded Woodstock's town square for more than an hour voicing their concerns about how the community has dealt with what was called a contagion of suicide. Five people aged 19 and younger had killed themselves since the beginning of the year.
Samantha Doerr, a Grade 11 student at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, spoke at last week’s rally about her battle with anxiety and depression. She now says students are noticing a change in how teachers and students are now talking more about mental health issues. She says “It makes you feel like all the teachers are really trying to make the school a better place, and trying to make sure we’re OK.”
Gail Evaire, who has set up a Facebook page for youth to talk about the issue, says she is pleased to see parents and the community more aware that there is a problem.
“It’s just a matter of getting things implemented now. I do think the walkout did have a positive effect on some of those naysayers,” she says.
Woodstock resident Hannah McAulay says she has overheard open conversations about depression and anxiety everywhere she goes in town. “The walk was an important 'explosion' that started off this chain reaction that everybody is now… there’s so many more people getting help,” McAulay says.
The student rally last week sparked national attention, including live coverage broadcast across Canada as the students walked the streets.
TSN sportscaster Michael Landsberg, founder of Sick Not Weak, is hosting a free community event Thursday night at the Woodstock Community Complex. Appearing with Landsberg will be Mike Babcock, Clara Hughes, other athletes and musical acts.
Landsberg, who has struggled with depression himself, says “There’s just a whole bunch of people who are saying ‘Woodstock, I feel for you, I want to bring you some hope.’”
