💔 "He was just 23... no signs of struggle. Then tragedy struck." A mother in #Innisfail is breaking the silence on suicide and launching a support group to change the conversation.
🗣️ Let's talk about it. #MentalHealthMatters #Olds #Alberta
Innisfail Mother Set to Change the Narrative on Suicide
Angela Shewchuk’s story is one of unimaginable loss and unwavering resolve. Twenty months ago, she lost her son Alex to suicide. Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, she is determined to transform the narrative around mental health and suicide. By founding a peer-led suicide loss support group in Innisfail, Angela is not only seeking healing for herself but also offering a lifeline to others who have faced similar tragedies.
The Power of Vulnerability
Angela believes in the strength found in vulnerability. She emphasizes that being open and honest about our struggles can foster trust and create meaningful connections. "Vulnerability builds trust, and when you have trust, you can share, and when you can share that helps your mental and brain health," she explains. This approach challenges the often ingrained belief that vulnerability is a weakness. Angela's mission is to shift this perception, advocating for a world where people feel safe to express their pain and receive support in return.
A Devastating Loss
Angela’s journey began with an event no parent should ever have to endure. On January 17, 2023, just a week before his 23rd birthday, her son Alex died by suicide. A mechanical engineering technician, Alex showed no prior signs of mental health issues and appeared to be thriving in his career. His sudden death left Angela and her family grappling with profound grief and unanswered questions. In the face of such loss, Angela has chosen to transform her pain into purpose.
Building a Supportive Community
To honor Alex and provide a resource for others, Angela and her husband, Don, are launching the Innisfail Suicide Loss Bereavement Support Group. Set to begin its first meetings this month, the group aims to offer a safe, compassionate space for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. "We've been in the community since 2010, and we were away for about five years, but moved back after Alex passed away, just to be part of this community," Angela shared.
The support group is inspired by Angela and Don's own experience in a similar program facilitated by The Outreach Centre in Red Deer. These sessions were a significant part of their healing journey, providing comfort and connection with others who truly understood their pain. Now, Angela is committed to creating a similar space for her own community in Innisfail.
The Healing Power of Peer Support
The Innisfail Suicide Loss Bereavement Support Group will run for 10 to 12 weeks, offering participants the chance to share their stories and navigate their grief in the company of those who understand. The format is intentionally flexible, allowing the group to adapt to the needs of its members. "It will be more of a free-flowing, organic type of a format. We will be going through where everybody is at," Angela says.
This peer-led approach recognizes that grief is not a linear process. The group will bring together people at different stages of their grieving journey, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences. For Angela, this sense of community is vital: "It's a very isolating type of grief and loss, so I felt that would be really instrumental in my healing."
Changing the Conversation Around Suicide
Angela is passionate about expanding the conversation around mental health and suicide, particularly in addressing long-held stigmas. She wants people to talk about mental illnesses just as openly as they would about any other health condition. "We talk about illnesses of the brain... no differently than talking about if we had a broken leg or our pancreas wasn't working and we had diabetes," she states.
Her goal is to normalize discussions about mental health, especially among men, who often face cultural pressures to remain stoic and silent about their struggles. Angela also hopes to see these conversations start early, advocating for mental health education to become a standard part of school curriculums.
A Journey of Purpose
Angela's work is more than a response to personal loss; it’s a mission to break down the barriers that prevent honest conversations about mental health. "This is the conversation I'm starting," she asserts. Angela’s journey has just begun, but she is committed to seeing it through and making a lasting impact. "It's not going to stop here. It's going to go a long way. This is the journey I'm on now."
Join the Conversation
Angela’s efforts highlight the importance of community, compassion, and conversation in addressing mental health and suicide. Her courage and commitment serve as an inspiring example for all of us. We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in this crucial conversation by visiting our Facebook or Twitter page. Let’s support one another in changing the narrative around suicide.