The truth is, it is hard to stand on Golden Gate Bridge and not think about the hundreds of people that have stood in the same place and contemplated taking their lives. San Francisco’s beautiful landmark has become one of the world’s most notorious suicide sites. This work however, is not about those people. As someone who has had reason to discuss suicide, I wanted to leave my own personal response on the bridge. Even this small sentiment seemed too uncomfortable, too intrusive to leave behind and so before I left I removed all trace of my visit. On October 20th 2012, two sets of footprints where placed next to lamp post 102 on the West/Pacific side of the Golden Gate Bridge. These templates face away from the barrier, towards San Francisco Bay. The two footprints are different colours. This could symbolise many complex things, take a moment to question and ask yourself what? If you are with someone, ask them too. You may have just helped to break down a social stigma. Mental health and issues surrounding suicide affect many of us, but are rarely discussed. The more we feel able to speak openly about these restricted or socially taboo issues the more we can be there for those who need our help. This leads us to back to the footprints. One of those sets belong to someone who feels desperate, the other is there to offer support, encouragement and recognition, because sometimes it is just too hard to stand alone.
