Walk for Suicide Prevention

Months ago in a guest post about suicide and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I described the community walks and the fundraising efforts for things such as depression research and services for those left behind by suicide.

As some of you may already know, my wife lost her brother to suicide just as we began dating. She and her family have struggled with this loss for almost seven years now. His death wasn’t just a death, but it was a death he voluntarily chose. They’ve all analyzed themselves as a result. Where did they go wrong? What could they have done differently? Why didn’t they see the signs? Why couldn’t they prevent it?

AFSP donations fund research for mental illness, which is the leading cause of suicide. They also go into services for people, such as my wife and her parents, who have survived a loved one’s suicide. They also benefit those who have attempted suicide and survived. AFSP also provides education on suicide and depression for those interested. Donations truly benefit those who need AFSP’s help. Your donation will make a difference.

Having spent the last year battling my own depression demons, this cause is now even more important to me than it already was. Before this was more of a way for me to support my wife and her family as they did what they needed to do to work past her brother’s suicide. However, since depression damn near destroyed me last year and keeps making return appearances, dragging me down to depths to which I have never sank, this cause has taken on a completely new meaning to me. Additionally, having read so many posts over on Black Box Warnings by other bloggers who have attempted suicide, it magnified how meaningful this cause truly is. I’ve become close friends with other bloggers who have attempted suicide and their stories have touched me.

The date for this year’s walk in Cincinnati is October 20th. My wife has, again, formed a team in memory of her brother and despite what’s happened between us I still support her efforts for this very noble cause. Each team attempts to raise as much money as they can and then, come October 20th we will walk in honor of his memory and the memory of every other person who has committed or attempted suicide.

So I have a favor to ask of you all. Please visit my brother-in-law’s page and donate to AFSP in his name. Also, if you’re so inclined, please tweet this, share this on Facebook, or reblog it so we can get the word out there. Our team goal is to raise at least $1000 donated in his name. I cannot stress how important this organization is to those of us suffering from depression or another mental illness, and to those of us who care about those with mental illness. Your donation could help save a life. That life could be mine. It could be yours. It could be the life of someone you love.

Please click here to donate. Thank you all.