Danbury Walks Out of the Darkness for Suicide Prevention

Each year 42,773 individuals die from suicide. That's 117 suicides each day. Firearms account for 50% of those deaths.

This Sunday, September 18, I'm inviting you to join us for the 2016 Danbury Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Tarrywile Park in Danbury. Hundreds of thousands across the country join together to help raise money and awareness that allow the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention to set up suicide awareness programs, and support survivors of suicide loss. Let me tell you my story.

In the middle of the night, when my son EJ was in his late teens, he walked upstairs and proceeded to down 135 Concerta tablets in a suicide attempt. Thank God they were not Oxycontin tablets or EJ would be dead. We found him in the morning and immediately called 911. It was one of the most horrible times of our lives and that's why I, along with my son EJ, will be walking in this year's Out of the Darkness Walk at Tarrywile Park. Registration begins at 11 AM and the walk begins at 12:30 PM.

Is there anything you can do to help a friend or family member who you think is contemplating suicide? Absolutely! Here is what you can do to help, thanks to metanoia.com.

1. TAKE IT SERIOUSLY   

Remember, it's not how bad the problem is, but how badly the problem is hurting the someone who has it.

2. SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IS A CRY FOR HELP       

If someone who's suicidal is talking to you, they think you may be able to help them in some way.

3. BE WILLING TO GIVE AND GET HELP ASAP

4. LISTEN     

This is the BIG one. There are no magic words. All a suicidal person wants you to do is listen. He wants to know he's not alone.

5. IF THE PERSON IS ACUTELY SUICIDAL, DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE

6. URGE PROFESSIONAL HELP 

Offer to call 911 or drive them to a hospitable ER.

Listen to Ethan Carey on the Ethan & Lou Show weekdays from 5:30-10AM on 95.1 FM. You can listen online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.