Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 8, 2024 10:24 am GMT
A bereaved father from Derry, Tony Edgar, is gearing up for a poignant run from his hometown to Dublin this weekend to honor his late son, Jack Edgar, who tragically died by suicide on December 27, 2022. This endeavor aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide, culminating on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day.
Details of the Run
The running event is set to begin at 12:01 AM on September 7, with Tony Edgar joined by his three brothers—John, James, and Michael—and his son, TJ. The group will tackle a distance surpassing 150 miles on foot, with each participant covering a designated section of the journey. Tony expressed that this effort is crucial for promoting open discussions about mental health, saying, “We want to show people they are not alone, and that help is available.
In Memory of Jack
Jack Edgar, remembered by his family as a “normal 20-year-old,” was active in various pursuits, including working with Premiair in Derry and training for a future in kickboxing. His father, Tony, described him as “kind, funny, caring, and thoughtful” and underscored the lasting impact of his death on the family. Tony added, “I go to the cemetery every day. It is devastating, absolutely devastating.”
Raising Awareness and Breaking Stigmas
This run signifies more than just a physical challenge; it represents a heartfelt attempt to confront societal stigmas surrounding mental health. Tony explained why they chose the specific dates for the run: “We felt it would have the most impact to raise awareness for those in our country suffering from mental health issues and potentially suicidal thoughts.”
The Edgar family aims to provide comfort and encouragement to others who have lost loved ones to similar struggles. “We want to remind them that they will always be remembered,” Tony emphasized.
The Family’s Journey of Grief
Following Jack’s death, Tony and his family have been grappling with questions that often accompany such tragedies, pondering what signs they might have missed or what they could have done differently. “These questions will never be answered, and that is tough to accept,” Tony shared. He highlighted that many families, like theirs, never anticipated experiencing such loss and hope that their story can prompt others to engage in conversations about mental health before tragedy strikes.
Encouraging Open Conversations
The Edgar family’s mission is to foster a climate where mental health discussions become commonplace. Tony passionately stated, “We hope that we can raise enough awareness to help break the door down for more open, honest conversations about mental health.” He noted the unfortunate reality that many individuals who commit suicide often feel trapped, believing that this is the only solution to their pain. “It is not,” he insisted. “No one is born wanting to die; the human instinct is to survive.”
Support for Those in Need
Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, Tony emphasized the importance of seeking help without feeling shame. “It’s okay to not be okay,” he stressed. He wants others to understand that asking for help is a sign of bravery rather than weakness. His family’s journey has been met with support from friends and loved ones, helping them find the strength to advocate for mental health awareness.
Reaching Out for Help
In conjunction with this event, the Edgar family is keen to remind individuals struggling with mental health issues that there is support available. They encourage anyone in need to reach out to organizations like Samaritans, who offer free, confidential support around the clock. Those needing assistance can contact Samaritans by dialing 116 123 or visiting their website at www.samaritans.org for more details.
The Edgar family is doing something special to honor Jack. They want to help more people understand mental health and support those who are having a tough time. Their message is simple: everyone is valuable, and it’s okay to ask for help. They hope to create a caring community where people can talk openly about mental health problems.
