Suicide-prevention education to be focus of two-day gathering

By Staci Dennis

Correspondent

KEMPSVILLE

Depression is treatable but suicide is not.

Chesapeake Beach resident Elaine Roberts knows first-hand how suicide ruins lives and doesn't want anyone else to experience the same pain.

"This is a message everyone needs to hear," she said. "Education is the key to preventing suicide."

Roberts' daughter, Kaila, took her own life when she was 15. There were warning signs, but Roberts said she didn't know them until too late.

Roberts has teamed with Kathy Wakefield to hold the second annual Beacon of Hope two-day conference at Regent University. October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month.

The event kicks off with a free session that is open to the public at 6:15 p.m. Thursday. Lanny Berman, executive director of American Association of Suicidology, will be the main speaker.

Thursday's topic is "Suicide: Everything You Need to Know and Things You Can Do to Help Prevent It."

"People need to know the signs of depression and what they can do to help others and themselves," Roberts said. "What we learn can make a difference."

Wakefield, of Alanton, lost her son, Jake, in 2001 at age 21. One month after his death, she founded I Need A Lighthouse Inc., which is sponsoring the event. The Hampton Roads Coalition for Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention is also a sponsor.

The conference seeks to educate, connect families, friends and educators as well as therapists and those in the mental health community with other professionals and survivors.

"This is a problem that is not going away," Wakefield said. "In fact, it's getting worse."

On Friday, participants can attend a variety of sessions from depression in the elderly to learning about current legislation. An open community forum and panel discussion will include survivors, professionals and community leaders.

Friday's session, which runs 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is $75 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Continuing education credit is available through various programs and certificates will be given at the close of the sessions. A special rate is available for students with identification as well as city and state employees.

The following weekend on Oct. 25, the group is holding a 5K run/walk at Fort Story. Preregistration is $15 or $20 the day of the race. The race starts at 9 a.m. A fun run will be held at 9:45 a.m. and is $10.

For more information call 496-9775 or 464-9289 or visit www.needalighthouse.org.

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net