Mental Health Awareness + Out Of The Darkness Community Walks

This video is almost 27 minutes long. But if 27 minutes can save even 1 life, then every second is well worth the time. Because even 1 life impacts so many others. We are all interconnected.

A friend recently watched this video and shared it with me and several others, because it struck her so deeply. It was interesting that she sent it to me when she did, because tomorrow I am participating in an Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Brighton.

Before she sent it to me, I had recently read that in the United States, the number of deaths by suicide now exceeds deaths in car crashes. Something is terribly wrong.

A relative of mine committed suicide. Several family members started doing this walk, which is sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as a way to remember him and to raise awareness about suicide.

Donations for this local walk can be made here. Walks are held all around the country, so you can find one near you if you'd like to participate in one as well. Plus walking is good exercise and makes us feel better!

According to the website, in the United States, a person dies by suicide every 15 minutes, claiming more than 36,000 lives each year. It's estimated that an attempt is made every minute, with close to one million people attempting suicide annually. After seeing these numbers, think about the 27 minutes that it will take to watch the video.

What I love about the video is that this young lady found help. She is doing fine now. What was coming between her realizing that she was in a state of depression and getting the help that she needed was not having $200.00 for the deductible needed to pay her health insurance's mental health benefit.

Someone recognized that she needed help and reached out to her. Maybe one of us reading this can do the same for someone else. Maybe one of us needs someone to reach out to us.

If you are in crisis or need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK( 8255).


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