Rochester, N.Y. – Hundreds of walkers took to Genesee Valley Park Sunday afternoon for the Out of the Darkness Community Walk to prevent suicide.
The 3.5-mile walk benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It also gave people who have lost loved ones to suicide a chance to support each other and offer help.
“If you’re feeling signs of depression or that you want to take your life, definitely talk to somebody,” said Sarah Bedrin, director of the foundation’s Western New York chapter. “We do have the national helpline, so just call someone – a friend, a family member – or the hotline to discuss. If it's not the answer, there is help. There are people out there who want to help you."
Bedrin, whose stepfather committed suicide in 2006, said 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental illness.
