TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – East Texans came together in Tyler to spread awareness about suicide prevention and support at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk.
Ryan Newcomb, executive director of the foundation’s North and Central Texas chapter, said more than 1,000 East Texans took part in the walk. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the foundation.
Participant shares story
Glenn Andrews lost his 22-year-old son to suicide in 2017. He said he took part in the walk to share his story with others.
“A lot of people, especially if they haven’t had a personal experience with it, doesn’t understand how big of a problem it is in our area,” Andrews said.
Talking about suicide
Newcomb said one of the leading suicide prevention methods is talking with others.
“From research, the more that we talk about suicide, the more that we can break stigma and give people the opportunity to reach out for help when they need it most. So that’s why it’s important to be out here talking about this,” Newcomb said.
Newcomb said East Texas has one of the highest suicide rates in the state of Texas.
“Help is available and hope is there. There’s treatment and people can reach out for help. Their neighbors care, their loved ones care and we want them to know they’re not alone if they’re struggling,” Newcomb said.
Survivors describe their experiences
Kendall Johnson said she struggled with suicide and that the Andrews Center in Tyler helped her recover.
“I kind of shut myself off from the world a little bit and tried to commit myself a few times,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s partner, Avery Akers, also struggled with suicide.
“A lot of my suicide started in school. I was bullied a lot for being different and picked on me. I tried attempting myself at 18. I’ve tried four different times after that,” Akers said.
Akers said she survived because of her daughter.
“I have a daughter now and I know that I have to survive for her and keep living,” Akers said.
Anyone who is struggling, or who has a loved one who is struggling, can call the 24/7 crisis and suicide hotline at 988.
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