Walk Out of the Darkness for Your Health and Others
By Brandi Goodman
Each year, various regions within most states participate in an Out of the Darkness walk. Participate if you hope to show support for those struggling with mental illness and particularly suicidal thoughts. Walking in support of this cause will boost your own mental health as well as that of others.
The Cause
It's important to understand more about the cause before you join. The community walks give hope to those who may struggle with their own mental health and suicidal thoughts. It also provides a space to open up for those who have lost someone to suicide. Seeing so many people come together to show support can give people the courage to open up about their struggles and share their stories. In 2004, 24 communities participated in this movement. By 2019, 425 communities had joined the cause. Fighting the stigma of suicide and raising awareness has remained the goal.
How Walking Helps Mental Health
Walking in general can boost mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good. As you walk each day, and particularly if you walk for a cause such as suicide prevention, you'll be getting exercise that helps boost your mood and make you feel good overall. Walking to show support of others who may be struggling can help you to feel good as well since you know you're doing something to help someone other than yourself. Both you and them will benefit.
Your confidence may increase when you participate in a walk of this nature. You may struggle with a loss yourself or have your own thoughts of suicide. Seeing so many other people out there to support you can help you see how many people there are in the world who truly care. As you walk among them, you may feel your confidence rising, helping you to become ready to share your story.
Two walks are coming up near enough for Eastvale residents to participate. The November 2 walk at Central Park in Pasadena is under two hours away while the November 9 walk at Oak Canyon in Silverado is about one hour away. Join one and improve your own mental health as -- well as the mental health of others -- as you show support for this cause.
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text TALK to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Someone is always available to help.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eastvale, Calif.