I don’t often use this space for personal appeals, but feel compelled to do so today. In addition to losing my uncle, John Marmo, earlier this year to suicide, my best friend, Fiona Fort, took her life after struggling with the chronic pain of depression for most of her adult life. Even if you are fortunate enough to have never grieved the loss of a loved one to this disease-or to know someone suffering from suicidal ideation-I urge those of you who can to contribute to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Denver Metro Walk Out of the Darkness Community Walk.
You can read my friend Ann’s story and donate to her cause here. Rest assured, it will be put towards a very worthy cause-one that deserves a much more robust and persistent response than it currently receives.
The thoughts and feelings that drive people to this desperate, irrevocable decision come from a vale of internal darkness, but that darkness can be penetrated. This event is one place to begin that process.
Thank you so much for this. It’s true this is an issue that needs to come out of the closet and be talked about and dealt with.
Silence is no longer an option. There should not be a stigma here. People need to know there is hope.
Good article, important topic, and more. A silent topic, because so many people are afraid to speak the words. It is good when the silence is broken… by good words.