The Bloomington branch of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is gearing up for the annual Out of the Darkness walk, a fundraiser aimed at destigmatizing conversations about suicide, and standing with those affected by it.
The walk kicks off at 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at Bloomington's Tipton Park.
Bloomington has hosted an Out of the Darkness walk for more than a decade. Walk chair Leslie Adams of Bloomington is the first Twin City resident to organize the walk in several years. That has allowed her to leverage local connections and seek sponsorships — but Adams said Out of the Darkness is not just a fundraiser.
“More than that, it’s a way to bring awareness and support to the Bloomington-Normal community regarding suicide prevention and awareness," she said. "It’s also a way for us to remember loved ones that have gone too soon due to suicide.”
Bringing people together for the walk also creates a sense of togetherness for those affected by suicide. And for Adams, it's personal.
“I lost my spouse in 2011 due to suicide,” she said. “I had four young children at the time and I don't know if I ever felt more alone in my life. To feel that connection with others who had experienced something similar — I think everyone’s story is valuable and can make you feel not so alone.”
One of the biggest ways to prevent suicide is connecting people who are struggling with the appropriate resources and making people aware of the issue. Bloomington-Normal has several mental health resources — from crisis centers to counseling services that are doing just that.
“I feel like Bloomington-Normal is a very special place to be in regards to mental health,” Adams said. “There are lots of different organizations having conversations about it.”
Talking about the issue is important, but conversations with someone who is struggling can be lifesaving. Adams explained some important things to remember while having these conversations.
“The biggest thing is that the person that’s a part of that conversation is willing to listen,” Adams said. “The person is not likely looking for answers; they might just be searching for a way to get those thoughts out.”
The Bloomington Out of the Darkness walk takes place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, leaving from Tipton Park's North Shelter, 2201 Stone Mountain Blvd., Bloomington. Onsite registration begins at 10 a.m. Online registration is available at supporting.afsp.org.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
