Spreading the Word

I am excited to announce that I am now on my way to helping fight the stigma of depression and the terrible turn it can take.

Today, I had an amazing meeting with a woman named Kerry. She is the head of the Boston chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We met in Arlington for brunch/coffee to discuss volunteer options for me with the chapter.

Kerry was so sweet and easy to talk to. We ended up having a lot in common so the conversation just flowed. I told her my story. She told me hers. It was nice to sit and talk with someone else who understood the challenges of this disease. It was a warming reminder that I am not alone.

So when we finally got down to business about ways I could help, I was floored with her suggestions. Based on my experience in production and working events, she suggested I join one of their upcoming committees to help out at an event next year. It's called A Sip in the Park, a beer and wine tasting experience held at Fenway. Can we say heaven!? I was quite honored that she would suggest something so big right off the back. My head is completely exploding with excitement over the potential to help such a great cause with such a mind-blowing event!

Not only that, she suggested with my writing background and my fearlessness talking about my struggle openly that I consider becoming a Field Advocate for the AFSP. In that position, I would help the AFSP spread the word about helping others with mental illness, educating them on how to see the signs of depression, as well as help create/promote public policies that would help those who have been impacted by mental illness. Such an incredible opportunity to make a difference!

I have already begun, in a way, by discussing sponsorship opportunities with work to be a part of this great organization. Many of my coworkers have already offered to join in the Out of the Darkness Walk with me this coming June. Just one of the many reasons I love where I work. We are a family. We support each other. And luckily, we all want to make a difference in the world.

I'm ready to get started. I'm ready to tell my story. I'm ready to help make a change.



Check out the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's website for more on the Out of Darkness Walk, and other ways you can help in erasing the stigma of mental illness.