Suicide prevention panel shares stories of hope and tragedy


Tears and pain were evident on the grieving faces of the panel members as they told the audience their stories of tragedy and devastation on Wednesday night at a suicide prevention week panel.

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Week Stories of Strength: Panel Discussion was held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the French Auditorium. The panel consisted of students and faculty members.

“The courage of our students was absolutely admirable,” said Yellow Ribbon faculty adviser Dave Opalewski. “They shared just great practical advice and information.”

Members of the panel shared how suicide has personally affected their lives and what they have done to help the movement of suicide prevention. They also covered topics of how they got through the grieving process.

Dearbon Heights sophomore Valerie Dynda, the president of the Yellow Ribbon group, led the discussion. Dynda said thought it was important for the audience to hear to let people know they were not alone.

Tears were shed by both the panel members and the audience. Panel members openly supported each other and were open about all the things that have caused them pain throughout hard times in their lives.

Above the row of panel members was a large screen that showed the quotes “the victims are not only those who take their life but also the loved ones who are left behind.”

“Just having people get involved in mental health issues in some way, just being more aware of everything in general (is important),” Dynda said. “I think that people are more like ‘keep it quiet, it’s not something to talk about.’”

Grand Haven senior Kristen Carlson said it is important to address suicide prevention on campus because it is the number two cause of death for college students.

“Overall the Yellow Ribbon is a suicide prevention club, so we just try to make people aware of everything on campus and try to prevent suicide," Carlson said.

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