What To Do When You Know Someone Considering Suicide (2024)

It’s less than three months until the next American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’sOut of the Darkness Community Middlesex County Walk at Thompson Park in Jamesburg, New Jersey. We all have a “Why” when we join the AFSP Out of the Darkness Community.

Through the years we have lost close loved ones, have watched family members struggle, and have experienced struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. This has only given us more purpose and motivation to support others.

Interview with AFSP’s Liz Clemens About Suicide Prevention

I spoke with Liz Clemens about this very important subject. Liz is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Chapter of AFSP. We talked about many important things regarding suicide including what you can do when you believe someone you know has considered taking their own life. Listen to our conversation here:

On November 3^rd I am walking for the people in my life who have considered suicide for various reasons but have gotten help. I’m getting involved to create a conversation that can save lives and help those who feel there’s no alternative. To be part of something that makes a difference and creates a society that’s smart about mental health.

This is why I am joining hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are walking in theOut of the Darkness Community Walksto prevent suicide and support AFSP’s mission tosave lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Please help me reach my goal by donating. All donations are 100% tax deductible and benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.

I know that the walk is a few months away, but I’m asking for donations now to reach my goal and to help#StopSuicide.

According to the CDC Suicide is the 11^thleading cause of death in the United States. Sadly, I know several people and families who have been affected by suicide, and chances are that you have as well. On Sunday, November 3^rdwhen I participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’sOut of the Darkness Community Middlesex County Walk at Thompson Park in Jamesburg, New Jersey, you can join me to help raise awareness and let people know that they’re not alone. All of the funds raised support research, education, advocacy, and support for those who are affected by suicide.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge how suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

Along with our participation in the walk, there are many things we can do to help prevent suicide. You can join a local AFSP chapter, there’s one in each of the 50 states. Then along with other volunteers, you can raise awareness and funds and spread hope through local programs, activities, and events like the AFSP walk.

The Interactive Screening Program (ISP) is a customized platform that starts a confidential conversation that in many cases leads people to get the support they need to survive. Even when people know about available mental health services, shame, fear, and embarrassment often prevent them from seeking help. ISP provides a safe and confidential way for people to talk away from the dark by taking a brief screening for stress, depression, and other mental health conditions. They receive a personal response from a program counselor within the mental health services available to them – ISP helps resolve peoples’ resistance to seeking mental health services.

Join the AFSP Walk or Make a Donation

Please accept my invitation to join my team for the AFSP Walk or simply make a small donation to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. You cansign up or donate here.

Any amount you donate makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for caring and your support!

Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.