QB speech, Walk of Hope to combat suicide

Western Washington University’s Building Resilience and Voicing Empathy for All Students is holding two events this week as part of the “Movember” movement that raises awareness about men’s mental health issues.

Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Eric Hipple will present “Real Men DO Cry” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Arntzen Hall Room 100. BRAVE will then host a “Walk of Hope” through Western’s campus at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, starting in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room. Doors will open for the “Walk of Hope” at 6:30 p.m. at the Viking Union MPR.

Both events are free and open to the public.

BRAVE is partnering with several campus organizations to host these events, including Western’s Men’s Resiliency Program, To Write Love On Her Arms, Prevention and Wellness, the Counseling Center, and their advisory committee, Suicide Prevention Grants Manager Farrah Greene-Palmer said.

In “Real Men DO Cry,” Eric Hipple will offer insight to mental fitness, mental illness, stigma, and the traditional concept of masculinity by drawing on his experiences with depression, grief, and his son’s suicide.

Hipple aims to inspire the audience to reach out for help before they get to a crisis point. 

“The Walk of Hope will create a space where the community can discuss and help break down the stigmas surrounding depression and suicide. The evening will include student and faculty speakers who will share how suicide has personally affected their lives and a walk through campus as a way to raise awareness of the issues surrounding suicide,” TWLOHA Vice President Emma Palumbo said.

 The goal is to encourage hope in our community and increase awareness regarding suicide and suicide prevention, Palumbo said.

 “This relates to the Movember theme and men’s mental health, because, statistically, more men die by suicide. We want to be sure to invite men, but they are not the only group at-risk,” BRAVE Program Support Staff Katlyn St. George said.

The “Movember” movement encourages men and women to support men’s wellbeing, raises awareness about men’s mental health issues, encourages students to address issues that men face and reduce stigmas attached to male stereotypes.

“[BRAVE] educates students on their resources and what is available to them, how to approach someone dealing with depression, and how to encourage them to go seek resources,” BRAVE’s Volunteer Event Planner Ian Vincent said. “Instead of taking responsibility to look after that person yourself and be their counselor, go seek professional help.”

For more information on Eric Hipple’s presentation and the Walk of Hope, visit BRAVE’s Facebook page or contact Western’s Suicide Prevention Grants Manager Farrah Greene-Palmer at Farrah.Greene-Palmer@wwu.edu.