Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Walking to prevent suicide

Hello everyone,

I am IBS-D, struggled with it for over 5 years now and I love this board. I know lots of us deal with depression associated with our IBS...well I'm doing a 20 mile walk through Manhattan in June. I am walking for my family who hsa been affected by suicide, as well as my friends, myself, and my supporters.

How many of you know someone who currently battles or has battled depression? I know for me it was extremely difficult to admit that I needed help, or to admit out loud to someone that I was depressed. Sometimes people come right out with it and sometimes you'd never know that your friend or family member was silently living with the disease because they were afraid of the reaction they might get. It's not easy to admit vulnerability. Thankfully I found my voice in time and now, many years later , I have a story to tell because I'm still here and in an amazing place in my life thanks to the support I found from my family and friends. I have found the stigma attached to depression to be one of fear, embarrasment, hopelessness, misunderstanding, weakness, and shame.

One of the purposes of the Out of the Darkness Overnight is to educate the masses about depression and suicide, to get the word out and help people to understand something that effects millions of people... to open the window of communication and alleviate the shame and other negative emotions and repercussions that come with expressing yourself. People need to realize that depression can and does result in death if not treated, and without the ability to speak up for one's self how do you get treatment to prevent suicide?

Please support me as I take an amazing journey. The Out of the Darkness Overnight Experience is a 20-mile walk through the streets of Manhattan over the course of one night. Net proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, education, and awareness programs � both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

Someone close to you might be suffering but has not found their voice. Let's all try to keep the line of communication open and the love flowing. Thank you for your donations.

The AFSP is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide.

I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP. Checks should be made payable to AFSP and are 100% tax deductible.

Facts:
Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among those 5-14 years old.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

[url=http://www.theovernight.org/?

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