Mother coordinates first Out of the Darkness Walk
By Melinda Harrell
Published in News on October 15, 2014 1:46 PM
Robby Coutts struggled with depression for years and sought help and relief from it many times, but never found it.
Robby committed suicide in March 2012 at the age of 29. Now his mother is seeking help, understanding and acknowledgment as she chairs the first Out of the Darkness Community Walk, which will be held this Saturday at Cornerstone Commons (registration begins at 8 a.m.). The walk is to raise money for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
Diane Coutts was inspired coordinate this event 2 1/2 years after her son's death in part to remember and honor him, but also to raise awareness about suicide and raise money for suicide prevention research.
"This is something that I found and I think it will help others. Just to be able to talk about it and to be able to try to figure out why. I can't do that. I don't have the answers because if I had the answers my son would still be here. We are going to try to raise money so that research can be done to try to find those answers on how to help people who are mentally sick or depressed or that need help," Mrs. Coutts said.
Mrs. Coutts also hopes the walk will help remove the vale of shame that surrounds the loved ones of those that have committed or attempted to commit suicide.
Mrs. Coutts says it is alright to talk about suicide and those loved ones that have been lost to it.
"There is a stigma and I don't know why. I don't know what the fear is. It is not contagious," Mrs. Coutts said.
"Raising awareness is important to me. It is important to let people know, when they find out that I have son who committed suicide that it is OK to acknowledge him, it is OK to ask about him, it is OK to say his name. His name was Robby, it still is Robby."
Mrs. Coutts tried to get all the help she could for Robby, and Robby also tried to help himself she said.
Ten days before Robby's death he went to the emergency room after cutting his leg and he wanted to be committed for help, but was turned away.
"The doctor said, 'I can't keep him. He is not suicidal and 10 days later Robby (he killed himself)," Mrs. Coutts said.
Mrs. Coutts hopes that with more research doctors and health care providers can be directed in how to divert those that are suicidal.
"Robby did struggle with depression for years and battled alcohol because a lot of people who struggle with depression self medicate. In all honesty, Robby tried. He fought a long hard fight. We had him in the hospital a few times and the hospital couldn't keep him. It would be nice to find some answers on how to help people that are that depressed," Mrs. Coutts said.
According to the Wayne State of the County of Health Report released last year, mental health has been identified as a top health concern for the county, with drug abuse and suicide going hand-in-hand.
The SOTCH report states in a six-year span (2006-2011) suicide rates have fluctuated, but steadily decreased from 2009-2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Public Health "Burden of Suicide" study, suicide is in the top five of the leading causes of death for 15-24-year-olds in the state and more than 1,000 North Carolinians die each year of self-inflicted injuries.
The same report shows that 49 people committed suicide between the years of 2009-2011 in Wayne County and there was a total of self-inflicted injury hospitalizations of 298 people.
The Out of the Darkness walk has no charge for participation, but donations are encouraged. Donations have already been given from Mt. Olive Pickle Co. and Walmart. For more information, call Mrs. Coutts at 919-222-0960 or email boda26@aol.com. To register online go to www.outofthedarkness.org.