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Reach out for help

There are several people and places that can help those struggling with intense emotions

Editor, The Record:

On March 25 as I was walking my dog, and saw a yellow piece of paper with printing on it.

Out of curiosity, I read it and it said, "I hate that I have so many secrets." As I kept walking, there were more notes, including one that hinted at suicide.

As someone who has experienced depression and had thoughts of suicide, I found the notes very disturbing. I called 911 and the RCMP came, we walked along, me pointing where the notes were, and the RCMP found some more. The RCMP later found more, but because of people walking along the street, scent dogs wouldn't be of any use. I walked and did some searching in some forest/bushy areas near my home, and I thank God, I didn't find any more notes or a person.

If this was you, please know that there are people who are concerned for your peace of mind and safety. If you are depressed and don't think you can get through today, never mind tomorrow, reach out to someone for help. It can be a teacher, a pastor, Mission Mental Health, Mission hospital, the suicide hotline, anyone.

I don't know you, but I deeply care that you are OK. If you are reading this and those weren't your notes, but you too are contemplating suicide, please talk to someone. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

People do care and do love you. I've been praying for you (and all of you others that are depressed and/or contemplating suicide).

Please reach out for help. There's a hand waiting to grab hold of your hand and not let go.

E. MacDonald

Mission