Out of the Darkness Hosting Walk in Portsmouth October 2 at Pierce Island

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England radio personality and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences.

There is a cause I am passionate about.  Suicide prevention.

We have a terrific organization right here in Portsmouth, a chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They are gearing up for the Out of the Darkness Walk to be held at Pierce Island in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on October 2.

Registration will begin at 8:30 am and the event will be held from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.

This year’s walk will be an in-person walk but if you chose, you can participate virtually.

No need to suffer in silence

Your donation goes to helping to provide support to programs such as the Survivor Outreach Program, research, and suicide prevention programs.

I have done this walk for many years.  I had a close friend that died by suicide years ago and it still shakes me to the core.  I suffer from depression and I am very proactive about my mental health.

Even though I have been in treatment for my depression for many years and have it under control, when my friend Greg took his own life, I was terrified it may happen to me.

Out of the Darkness Walks

The Out of the Darkness Walks promotes awareness and provides a community that is supportive and makes the subject of suicide not taboo to talk about.

Just talking about it, sharing the experience that it’s okay to not be okay and that you don’t have to suffer in silence is a message I wish everyone could hear.  It’s just one of the reasons that I share my struggle with depression and that I have developed coping strategies to help.

That doesn’t mean I don’t still suffer from time to time, but I have a strong support system and I am not ashamed to share my story.

We have been through such tough times with the pandemic, now more than ever paying attention to our mental health is critical.

If you are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also reach out via text by texting TALK to 741741.

I look forward to seeing you all on October 2. Go here for more information.

Please spread the word about this organization and event.