LIMA, OH (WLIO) - On Friday night, Ohio State campuses, including OSU Lima, came together and walked to raise awareness about a topic that many find difficult to talk about.
Fellow Buckeyes at OSU Lima walked around the Quad for the "Out of the Darkness" campus walk to honor the lives lost and affected by suicide and mental illness while displaying fellowship, camaraderie, and support for those currently struggling. The annual walk is organized by the Ohio State Suicide Prevention Program and collaborated with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Many of Friday night's walkers have been affected in some way by suicide and mental health, and there is one particular message of hope they want to share.
"They are not alone. Mental health- we need to break the stigma of it and talk openly like it's just another health issue. I lost my brother to suicide 12 years ago, and one of the things my therapist would say to me is keep your light shining even if it's only a flicker... and that has stuck with me, so I want everybody here to Samantha and all the people that are volunteering to shine their lights and let people know that there is hope out there," shares Carol Griesdorn, Ohio Board Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
As a way to show that there is hope and support, many resources including SAFY, Wings Support and Recovery, The Wounded Warrior Project, and WOCAP were present at Friday night's walk.
