This article talks about sensitive subjects relating to suicide and mental health. Please be advised.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, organized the Out of Darkness Walk, taking place this year April 21. The walk will take place on the UT campus, with registration starting at 11 a.m. and the walk beginning at noon.
According to AFSP’s data, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in Tennessee. It is the second leading cause of death in those ages 25-34 and the third leading cause of death for those ages 10-24.
The Out of Darkness Walk is meant to create a space of solace for those who are struggling or have loved ones struggling with mental health and suicidal ideation.
Caroline Kohl, a graduate student studying law, has been involved with AFSP for a year and a half.
“These walks are a great way to show people that they are surrounded by a community that thinks about mental health and cares about suicide prevention,” Kohl said.
Kohl works with AFSP in public policy and communications and is very passionate about spreading their work to UT’s campus. The first walk she attended allowed her to see a community open to talking about mental health.
Caleb Atkins, another graduate student also studying law and working with AFSP, shared a similar sentiment.
“I really hope on a grander scale for UT campuses everywhere that these walks show that it’s OK to talk about mental health,” Atkins said. “Even people who have not experienced a mental health crisis but want to support their loved ones can participate.”
Kohl’s and Atkins’ work with AFSP is very close to both of their hearts.
“I lost one of my closest friends to suicide when I was in high school,” Atkins said. “At that point, me and my friends became involved with AFSP. It was really big for me to see other people in the community who had experienced things similar to what I’d gone through. It was nice to feel a part of a community that was just lamenting together. … You can all collectively share your pain and heartache as well as the love for those you’ve lost.”
Colin Zimmer, known to students as the UT Elf, is a new member of the organization. Zimmer is a sophomore majoring in business management. He is very well-acquainted with the fight for mental health and is dedicated to creating a safe space on campus. He claimed that there is value to be found in the small things in life and believes that hope is a key factor in assisting those who are going through dark times.
“Hope isn’t always what people view it as,” Zimmer said. “Hope can be that one person who picked up your phone when you dropped it. It can be that person who held the door for you. The more you notice the small hopes, the more you’ll start to believe in this big, collective hope. It’s kind of the small hopes that turn the wheels. The elf thing taught me a lot about hope because one small act of kindness can really impact someone’s day.”
Zimmer’s past experience working at homeless shelters taught him a lot about hope. Mental health is very important, but oftentimes, when we see others struggling, we aren’t prepared to address it. How can we help our loved ones who are struggling? Kohl said the key to helping others is by being part of a support system.
“Make sure they know that they’re never alone. AFSP has a ton of great resources for anyone struggling, and if they get to a point where they do need help, 988 is always there. Look up the warning signs,” Kohl said.
One of the many warning signs of suicidal ideation, according to Kohl , can actually be found in the form of suicide jokes.
“I think that humans use humor to deal with things that they haven’t entirely figured out for themselves or are comfortable with,” Kohl said. “Getting involved with AFSP showed me how important language is and how it can hurt people. Like, for example, we don’t say ‘commit suicide’ anymore because it makes it seem like an action that is criminalized. Now we use different language. Humor can be a coping mechanism, but it also shows that you probably have some things to discover within yourself.”
A reason why many joke about their trauma and mental health rather than talk about it outright is because oftentimes it is difficult to judge whether a space is safe for that kind of discussion. Sometimes, those struggling mentally feel like their issues are small compared to others, or they simply do not want to bother anyone.
“A way to create safety is by asking your loved ones questions and checking in on them when they seem down,” Atkins said. “As for faculty and staff, I’d say if you notice students who are aloof in class or not showing up, to send emails and check in on them. Let yourself be a resource. … For the university itself, make sure that the counseling centers are as visible and accessible as possible because it’s really hard to get yourself to go to those things when you need it, and it’s hard to talk yourself into going.”
People passionate about the fight to prevent suicide and spread awareness for mental health can visit AFSP’s website where they provide more information about how you can get involved with the organization. They provide ways to get help if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts as well as various opportunities to get involved that fit your preferred method of activism.
For those struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, the suicide hotline number is always available. All you have to do is text or call 988.
Editor’s note: a previous version of this story misspelled Kohl’s name.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts the Out of Darkness Walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
