Residents encouraged to Walk For HOPE

SANDPOINT — It's a simple, yet powerful message: Hold on, pain ends.

Sunday, local residents will take to the Long Bridge walking path throughout the day to spread that message and promote suicide awareness and prevention.

"We are determined to bring a culture of others mindedness into our schools and community," Hold On Pain Ends, a group dedicated to ending the stigma on talking about suicide and to helping those at risk, said on its website. "It is time to build up, not to tear down."

This year, the event is virtual with those interested picking their own time to walk the decorated Long Bridge — or choose their own path — any time on the day of the event. Participants are encouraged to post their pictures to social media using #walkforhope2020 for a chance to win a prize, HOPE's Jennifer Wyman said.

At first Wyman didn't think the event would be possible due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. But as supporters, volunteers and businesses reached out to encourage her to do something, the group worked to turn the event into a virtual walk where participants could pick the time of their choosing to be a part of the event.

So, Wyman ordered T-shirts — adding all businesses who have supported Walk For HOPE in the past — as a way to recognize them and all they have done to support the group's mission.

There is no registration fee this year — Wyman said she didn't want people who might be struggling to not be able to take part. Donations have also covered the cost of T-shirts, which are being distributed today at Kokanee Coffee on Fifth Avenue in Sandpoint from 10 a.m.-noon and from 5-7 p.m. as well as 8-10 a.m. on Sunday. There are a limited number of shirts available.

They also are handing out bright blue bracelet — each with a secret message, each capable of saving a life.

On the outside are the words “smile” and “Hold On Pain Ends” — the words behind the group’s name. On the inside, however, is a lifeline for everyone: “Crisis? Text 741-741” — the Suicide Prevention text line.

Hold on pain ends is a message that Jennifer Wyman and family have been spreading for the past five years since she lost her daughter, Madi, to suicide at the age of 14. To honor her daughter, Wyman launched HOPE and the Walk For HOPE held annual on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend as a way to kick off Suicide Awareness Month.

The goal, Wyman has said, is to spread a message of awareness and hope, that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always tomorrow, there is always someone who cares.

“I love to have as many of us come together and as a community we can walk the bridge and we can remind each other that everybody matters and everybody has their struggles,” Wyman told the hundreds gathered at a previous walk. “You have ups and downs but we can help each other.”

The annual walk is a great way to get that message out — that everyone matters and that there is always tomorrow no matter how bad the problems may seem or the struggles we all go through.

“I really believe that the more we can break the silence about suicide and mental illness, addictions and all the things that lead up to suicide, the more inclined someone is to come forward and talk about it and share that they’re struggling and get the help that they need,” Wyman said previously.

Many people, like her daughter, hide their pain or worry they will burden their loved ones if they talk about it. The opposite is the case — we can’t afford for people to not speak up, to stay quiet, Wyman said.

“We have to break the silence and get outside the box and be open and bold and brave,” she added.

In the five years since the walk began, Wyman said the community and schools have become more open about the subject of suicide and making it a topic that is safe to talk about. Proceeds from the walk go to fund speakers in local schools to talk about suicide awareness and prevention and other related topics.

Wyman has a message for those thinking about suicide: “Hold on, don’t give up. There are resources available, you just have to overcome your fear of telling someone and just do it and I guarantee once you tell someone, you’re going to feel so much better that it’s off your chest.”

She has a similar message to the community: Watch for the warning signs and be observant. If someone begins to withdraw or goes through mood changes or something just seems off, ask the questions: “Are you feeling safe?” “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” “Do you have any plans to commit suicide?”

“Just ask the direct questions and don’t beat around the bush,” she added. "Break the barrier, stop the silence and reach out."

Information: walkforhopesandpoint.org or walkforhopesandpoint@gmail.

com