Out of the Darkness Walk: Save Lives, Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide

What do you look forward to in the new year after the holidays?

It might be the Super Bowl, someone’s birthday or anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or another special event.

For me, it’s the Out of the Darkness Walk , an annual walk held in Central Florida on the first Saturday of February to unite our community and provide an opportunity to acknowledge the ways suicide and mental health conditions have affected us and those we love and care about.

I discovered this event and its amazing sponsor, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), several years ago. It was years after I’d lost a dear friend to suicide. Even though I thought I’d recovered from that loss, I decided to participate in the walk. While I learned I was still hurting and broken, I met someone who had the grace and kindness to help me heal.

That person is Tara Larsen, the executive director for Central and Southern Florida for AFSP. She’s been my guest on The Crossman Conversation before, and I was happy to have her back to talk about the 2023 Out of the Darkness Walk. She was joined on the show by my friend Nathan Meeks, president of Meeks Capital , who shares my commitment to this important issue.

We talked about a lot of issues related suicide prevention, helping people who are struggling with mental health issues, and supporting people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

“This is not something that discriminates,” Tara said. “It impacts everybody, regardless of their socioeconomic background, their race, their religion. It impacts us all. And it’s so important that when we’re struggling, we take those steps to reach out and get care.”

Tara also shared the news of the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can call this three-digit number, just like you call 911 in an emergency, whenever you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You’ll be connected to trained counselors who will listen, understand, provide support, and connect you to resources.

Nathan recommends that you tell your employees or coworkers about the Out of the Darkness Walk. “You probably have employees who are struggling silently on a daily basis,” he said. “To bring awareness to it and provide resources to your employees is hugely beneficial.”

If you’re in the Orlando area and can join us on Feb. 4, please stop by the Meeks Capital-Crossman Career Builders-CrossMarc Services tent. We’re going to be giving away 500 donuts and we’d love to meet and talk with you.

Out of the Darkness Orlando Walk

Saturday, Feb. 4 ? Baldwin Park

Registration/t-shirt pickup 8-9 a.m., opening ceremony, 9 a.m.

Listen to my conversation with Tara Larsen and Nathan Meeks here:

https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/episode/s1e52-tara-larsen-joins-nathan-meeks-both-representing-an-upcoming-walk-to-benefit-suicide-prevention/

Listen to my conversation with Tara Larsen when she appeared on The Crossman Conversation the first time here:

https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/episode/s1e02-tara-larsen-from-the-american-foundation-for-suicide-prevention-discusses-suicide-prevention-and-the-upcoming-event-to-draw-awareness/

John Crossman is the founder of Crossman Career Builders , the host of The Crossman Conversation , and the author of Career Killers Career Builders . Check out Crossman Career Builders on YouTube . Connect with John on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .