Thousands gather for Out of the Darkness Walk at Piedmont Park

We want to talk with you about something that it's hard to talk about, and that is mental health and suicide prevention. But there is a walk that's taking place this morning, well, afternoon, it's at 1:30 at Piedmont Park. Our Caitlin Pratt is heading out to that now to give us a preview. But the other day, I talked with one of the co-founders and co-directors of this walk for mental health, for those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and that type of thing. I want to bring you a little bit of that conversation here. This is such an important topic, and I know sometimes people kind of shy away from it or they don't want to have the conversation. Walk us through the walk that's taking place on Sunday. Yes, so thank you for having me. So the Out of the Darkness Walk that's hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we host it in all 50 states, but Atlanta is our largest walk. We have also community walks and campus walks. So some of the campuses like Georgia State are able to participate as well. But this walk just really brings families, communities, just everyone together because you just never know who is struggling with mental health, who has lost someone to suicide and things of that nature. We want to create an opportunity to break the stigma, raise awareness, honor those that we've lost, and then remind individuals that you are not alone and we're all one band, one sound, one community. You know, I saw that I believe about 2,900 people have already signed up for this walk. What does that say about the need for something like this? I think something, a topic like this has tentacles that... Even though it might not impact us personally, we might know someone who is going through this. What does that say about the need for it in the community? Yes, and this is a rain or shine event. So for us to see the impact that so many people want to come out and just help and support. In these times right now, people are struggling with so many different things, whether it's family dynamics, things of that nature. So Seeing 2,800, 2,900 people that have registered teams from near and far that are coming to just celebrate and honor those that they've lost. And then also find a friend, find someone that is a support system. Self-care is important. I am all for self-care. So this is going to be just to see so many people come together at one time, just going to be just overwhelming. And I'm just so You know, in years past, I know there have been family, friends of those who have lost people to suicide. Walk us through what does this do for them? How have they shown up and what is some of the conversations that you've had with those families about what this event means for them and their healing? Yeah. Healing is all by testimony. People are, they love to hear and share stories with people who have experienced something similar to what they've experienced. My mom grieved my brother who passed away, not by suicide, but she has a big support group because of that. This is where we all come together and support one another. This is what it's all about. It's finding that support system. So you have a lost and healing committee, and those are individuals who have I have lost someone and they They come together and come up with different activities throughout the year for lost survivors, individuals that are struggling. Our entire committee is ran by volunteers, and a lot of our volunteers have all had some type of impact with suicide. So I definitely invite everybody in the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas to come out because you'll definitely find somebody who is like you, who either you can support or they can support you by just your testimony. Walk us through. Is it too late? If someone wants to join in on this walk on Sunday, how can people get involved? What do they need to know? Yes, you can just go on to the AFSP, it's called AFSP for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Type in Out of the Darkness Walk Atlanta, it'll bring you to the registration page. You can register as an individual, you can register as a team, you can just show up. Freddie the Falcon's going to be there, it's going to be a good time. All love, all fun, and all family. So you can definitely go on the website and you can register today, or you can contact me, my number is on the website as well. All right. Before we go, I think it's always important if we have a moment for someone who might be struggling with mental health or having thoughts of suicide, what is your message to them and what are resources that are out there that can help? Yes, you are not alone. Everybody is struggling on a day-to-day basis. Definitely use the 988 number if you are struggling. Once you call 988, you're able to reach a specific individual, whether you're a veteran, whether you're a grieving mother, you're able to find someone that is able to assist you. At The Walk, specifically, we will have mental health professionals. We will have psychiatric hospitals. We will have all of those resources that are free to the community. So if you're struggling, you know of anyone who is struggling, we have those resources for you free of charge at the center. We have someone, I mean, at The Walk, I'm sorry, someone's actually providing massage chairs and giving you a little 10-minute massage to show their appreciation to you. So you can definitely come out and get those resources at At The Walk, for any anxiety, depression, mental health resources that you may need. All right, Sadia George, thank you so much. We'll put more information on our website, Fox5Atlanta.com. We appreciate you on this Friday. Thank you. I hope that's all right. All right, so that was our conversation you heard. It was Friday, but that walk is taking place today. Our Caitlin Pratt is heading out there now. It's at 1.30, but they're going to do some setup at 12.30, so we'll be with some people out there.