Suicide prevention day marked in Izvor Park

Newsroom 12/09/2012 | 07:04

Bucharest has marked World Suicide Prevention Day with an event entitled Support the Fight for Life, in Izvor Park. The event was designed to raise awareness of suicide as a public health problem, and was intended as a first step towards greater empathy and involvement from the community.

Speaking at the event, which took place on 10 September, psychiatrist Dr. Gabriel Diaconu told the audience, “We all have cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents who have either attempted or committed suicide. We can do more for them.” He called for more public debate and understanding about the topic.

Following him onto the stage, pop singer Silvia Dumitrescu said that suicide cannot be dealt with on an individual basis, nor should it be thought of as one of those things that always happen to someone else. “The simple gesture we can do is to be aware of loved ones, be they family, friends or colleagues.”

The event concluded with the release of white balloons to the stirring musical backdrop of Ravel’s Bolero, symbolizing hope and solidarity. Attendees were invited to pin messages of encouragement to boards set up in the park. They will be passed onto the site www.depresiv.ro, where there is also more information about depression.

Debbie Stowe