Edmontonians gathered Thursday night to grieve together. The 10th annual Bridge of Life suicide prevention candlelight vigil was held on World Suicide Prevention day. The event brought together dozens of people to light candles and write messages of love and support on the High Level Bridge. In 2023, 154 people died by suicide in Edmonton, according to the latest available data compiled by the Centre for Suicide; seven of those people were under the age of 19. Lead organizer and cofounder Jennifer Hope said suicide can be a difficult topic for many people. She said the event began as a safe space where for the community could connect. “When you lose someone to suicide and someone says to you, ‘I understand’ or ‘I know how that feels,’ [they] don’t necessarily know how that feels,” Hope said. “Here in the park right now, there are groups of individuals who know exactly how the other person feels. They’ve lost loved ones to suicide, or they’ve thought about suicide themselves. “And it’s really important to be able to gather with people that understand on that level because it brings comfort.” Hope said organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta, Suicide Centre for Suicide Prevention and the Pilgrims Hospice can help anyone dealing with the impacts of suicide. Help is also available 24 hours a day by calling or texting the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988.
