SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — September is Suicide Prevention Month, which is why a national organization is hosting a walk in Sioux Falls this Saturday.
While the organization has chapters across the United States, families right here in KELOLAND are sharing their story’s on how suicide has personally affected them.
Growing up, Nikki Vallie Harris seemed like a happy girl.
“She loved dance. She loved to perform, she loved theater. So to me, a little I mean, at times I think I could see maybe a little something going on, but I thought very happy, positive child,” lost daughter to suicide, Janine Harris said.
However, a toxic relationship changed Nikki’s life.
“She got into a bad relationship and he was a little abusive and she had to put out a protection order. And within a few days, she just really went downhill,” Harris said.
In June of 2005, 20-year-old Nikki took her own life.
“Sometimes I think that when people are in this state, they can’t see it’s kind of like a tunnel vision and they can’t see past that. And they have thoughts such as, you know, no one’s going to miss me or they wouldn’t care if I’m not here and can’t take this pain. And but that’s not true,” Harris said.