If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, text or call 988 for 24/7 service in both English and Spanish. More resources here.
Thousands of people marched through Montrose Harbor Saturday morning to raise awareness of mental health issues at the annual “Out of the Darkness” event.
Initially, 2004 began with a march of 200 people, about 6,000 people and 500 teams joined American Foundation for Suicide Prevention event Saturday.
“It’s a very emotional experience compared to other walks,” said volunteer Dori Hough, who attended with her family.
“To see everyone come together in such a way that really makes us feel like we’re not alone and that we’re all together and sharing in this experience.”
Hough’s daughter and son-in-law, Ariana Squires and Steve Hough, were volunteering at the honor bead tent Saturday morning.
Each different colored pearl necklace represented a different type of loss or struggle.
“It’s a very emotional experience because when someone comes up to you and they tell you what color they need, it tells you exactly what struggle and loss they’re experiencing,” Squires said. “Walks like these and organizations like these are so important, because they get out to someone who might not have those resources.”
The World Health Organization estimates that 700,000 people die by suicide each year. Part of the message of the Out of the Darkness walks is to remove the stigma behind mental illness.
“I don’t know where it comes from. I don’t know if it’s shame or if people aren’t comfortable talking about their feelings,” Squires said. “I think we’ve come a long way in mental health, but there’s still so much for us to grow, we’re still seeing these issues and seeing people struggling.”
Participants held signs and wore shirts for their lost loved ones, highlighting their unique stories and leaning on each other for support, providing a message of hope out of the darkness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, text or call 988 for 24/7 service in both English and Spanish. More resources here.