The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosts their “Out of the Darkness” suicide awareness walk every year. The walk brings together hundreds of thousands of people through 400 events in 50 states. The event creates a positive culture surrounding mental health. Participants also raise funds that help save lives. Research, and resources for survivors of loss and people at risk are some efforts available because of monies raised.
COVID-19 prevented large groups from gathering as they’ve done in years past. However, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) students and staff happily walked safely in their communities! Community-based teams took part throughout October: October 17th (Chicago, New Orleans and Online), October 24th (Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.), and October 31st (Dallas).
Why Walk?
When asked why they chose to walk, participants gave a variety of reasons. Some walked to simply encourage people to keep the conversation around suicide awareness going. While others like Jill Glenn, executive director, Community Partnerships, walked for a more personal reason.
“I was involved with Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen for several years. This group provides support to family members that lost loved ones in the military. Several of the families I encountered had lost a loved one as a result of suicide. The strength and commitment of these families to ensure that this does not happen to someone else’s son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. was overwhelming. They turned their pain and hurt into making a difference in the lives of others. I walk for all of those families.”
ABOUT SUICIDE
Suicide annually claims more lives than murder, war and natural disasters combined, according to the AFSP website. Working to prevent it is a top priority for many of the TCSPP community. The topic needs to be addressed far beyond the limits of the Out of the Darkness event.
Kate Mahoney, LCSW walked in Evanston, IL and explains, “It is important for people to recognize that suicides can be prevented. We all have a role to play in helping to increase awareness. And helping to prevent suicide among our family members, neighbors, colleagues and friends,” the executive director, Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education at TCSPP finished.
Members of The Chicago School community participate in the “Out of the Darkness” walk every year. The effort to bring people together this year under one TCSPP umbrella made for a fun and successful event, even in the virtual space.
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