Darkness Into Light offers hope

Orla O’Driscoll 

SUICIDE is perhaps one of the most emotive words in the English language. Still it is treated with trepidation and spoken quietly, mired in stigma. 

In 2006, Pieta House challenged the silence of suicide and opened their first service in Ireland.

Since their inception they have helped over 30,000 people in suicidal distress or those engaging in self-harm.

They also created the first night run: ‘Darkness into Light’, in 2009, with over 300 participants. 

Gary Seery, who is originally from East Wall and now living in Bayside, is a firm supporter of Darkness Into Light, having lived with depression and suicidal thoughts.

“Mental health from my own point of view was my driving force in becoming involved,” he tells Northside People.

Gary and his family are among thousands across four continents in 180 countries who will be taking part in the event this year. 

Gary has his own reasons for supporting the charity.

“In late 2009 I was very unwell, mentally,” he said. “I had very bad depression. I was suicidal for some time. For most of that year, I struggled through all the hardships of a mental health illness.”

One of the key things Gary used to create his own positive headspace was exercise. 

“In February of 2010 I started to run and that has led me on many an exciting journey since then. I am grateful now, but I learned a hell of a lot from my journey. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”

There are almost half a million people living with depression in Ireland, and in 2016, 399 people ended their lives by suicide.

Gary says: “In very simple terms, Pieta House is invaluable. You can potentially say the work they do can stop people from ending their lives through suicide. 

“These people don’t feel they have a choice. I know what the fear of that is like. When they get that bad, it means that the suicidal thoughts and the anxiety are winning.”

Darkness Into Light was originally created to bring people together and has been a positive step in raising suicide awareness.

Gary says: “Pieta House is giving back hope. Imagine if we didn’t have someone like Pieta House? For everyone, mentally and physically they need to manage their own mental health.”

The name, a metaphor for the work Pieta do in assisting people through the darkest times, takes place as the darkness of night leaves the sky for sunrise.

All proceeds go towards helping those in distress or supporting families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Brian Higgins, the charity’s chief executive says: “It’s the generosity of participants and supporters who make it possible to offer supports and services.

“But the demand for services is ever-increasing. “We all need to wake up to the stigmas that lead people to the point of self-harm or suicidal crisis and subsequently to the doors of Pieta House to seek help.”

Meanwhile, Gary advocates for the mindfulness toolkit.

“I have my runners, or a book, or right now I am doing a bit of DJ work, so mixing tracks with my headphones on is great – but whatever works for your own headspace is good for you,” he adds.

• Darkness Into Light takes place this Saturday, May 12 at 4.15am at a number of locations including the Phoenix Park. For information on other venues, visit Darkness Into Light on Facebook.