Candace Bravo on Suicide Prevention and AFSP's 'Out of the Darkness' Walks

Suicide Prevention Month Actions

• 🗓️ During Suicide Prevention Month (September), take at least one action to support someone else.
• 📞 Actions include calling or texting someone you haven't connected with recently, sharing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or bringing a free suicide education program to your workplace.

Recognizing Warning Signs

• ⚠️ Warning signs of someone struggling include changes in talk, mood, and behavior.
• 😔 Specific signs include expressing hopelessness, increased substance use, withdrawal from activities, excessive sleeping, depression, and irritability.

AFSP's 'Out of the Darkness' Walks

• 🚶‍♀️ The 'Out of the Darkness' movement started in 2004 and includes community walks throughout September and October.
• 🤝 These walks provide a platform for people to share their connection to the cause, create a culture smart about mental health, and support each other.
• 📍 Upcoming walks in New York City include Staten Island (Sept. 14), Bronx (Sept. 28), Brooklyn (Oct. 5), and the NYC Walk (Oct. 12).
• 🔗 Registration is free, and more information can be found at afsp.org/walknyc.

Approaching Someone in Distress

• 💬 Have authentic conversations in private, gain trust, and listen without judgment.
• ❓ Directly ask if they are considering suicide, and if so, direct them to the 988 lifeline, their doctor, or a therapist.