Kira Invites You to Join Her at the Out of Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention

Growing up with a mother who battled depression and anxiety, mental health was a big topic in our house. My mom always initiated open conversations about mental health with me and my siblings, and she taught us to advocate for ourselves and speak up if we need help.

Because what is the alternative? We all know someone who has been affected by suicide. To lose a parent, child, sibling, partner, neighbor, coworker, or ANYONE, under those circumstances, is unfathomable. So, what can we do to change it?

One step is the Out of Darkness Walk that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting at 10 a.m. Sept. 17 at Peirce Island. The walk raises both money and awareness to battle mental health issues and suicide, and they hope to raise $95,000 this year. If they hit that goal, it will mean the Portsmouth walk has raised $1 million since it started in 2009! They'll be passing out free Honor Beads, but you'll want to bring a little cash yourself, as they'll have vintage walk t-shirts for sale and $5 raffle tickets for tons of great prizes.

The AFSP's goal is to end the stigma around mental health in this country. The work they do is beyond important for our communities, and I support their efforts and mission wholeheartedly.

Not only will I participate in the walk, but I encourage you to join my team. Each teammate will get a free fanny pack, and we'll work together to acknowledge the effect mental illness and suicide has had on our community. Let’s walk out of the darkness, together!