A man from Sydney knows firsthand about the pain, regret, and grief associated with losing a family member to suicide.
Ken Tarr’s grief began four years ago. His twin boys were bullied as kids and dealt with addiction later in life.
The first took his own life in September of 2012.
“He was being treated through mental health, and two days before he took his life, he took all of the medication that day and hung himself,” said Tarr.
A year later on Oct. 2, Tarr and his wife had to deal with the loss of a second child after first seeking help at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
“They couldn't do anything for his situation, so he was turned away,” Tarr said. “The police found him in the woods off Terrace Street. He hung himself.”
Wracked with grief and unable to cope with the pain, Tarr's wife, Cheryl, committed suicide last March.
She was only 53.
“I believe she couldn't carry on without her boys,” said Tarr. “It's the only thing she looked forward to her whole life. She wanted to be a mother.”
“I have lost my whole family to suicide.”
Walks were held in both Sydney and Halifax on Sunday to raise awareness that suicide is a reality in many communities, and to find ways to prevent it.
“I love that people are talking about this issue and creating connection and saving lives,” Tarr said.
Those affected by suicide are pushing for more services for those living with mental illness.
“People in crisis centres are not treating it like they would treat a heart attack or stroke. It's a matter of life and death,” said walk facilitator Fran Morrison.
Tarr hopes that speaking out will help others, and says he will keep fighting to have better medical help in place for situations like his family faced.
“I'm so glad I had the time I had with my family. I'll remember them forever.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
