Out of the Darkness Walk planned in Huron

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Huron will host its first-ever Out of the Darkness Walk to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Ravine Lake Park.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. There is no fee and everyone is welcome to join them.
Held in hundreds of cities across the country, Out of the Darkness Walks give people the courage to open up about their own struggle or loss, and a platform to change the approach to mental health.
“Right now, suicide is the ninth-leading cause of death in South Dakota,” said Huron native Angela Drake of Tea, board chair for S.D. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “It is the second-leading cause of death in ages 15 to 44.
“We are No. 9 in the nation; unfortunately, that’s not a top 10 list we want to be on,” she added. “Just bringing survivors of a suicide loss together — it’s nice to know you’re not the only person going through that.”
Drake grew up in Huron, and her parents, Dennis and Terry Drake, live near Lake Byron.
More than 100 participants have already signed up for the walk in the Huron area, and almost $9,000 has already been raised.

“That money will be used to fund research for suicide prevention and community education to learn more about the signs and what to do to help,” Drake added.
Drake, who works for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, also has a personal reason to support suicide prevention.
Her oldest daughter took her life two years ago just five days shy of her 18th birthday. Drake’s younger daughter just turned 18 and is preparing for her senior year in high school.
“There’s no one cause for suicide that somebody can point to,” Drake said. “Mental health issues, environment, heredity — all kinds of things can come together in that perfect storm where someone contemplating suicide is at.”
Drake said the effect of a suicide can be likened to a bomb going off. “Those right in that room are affected most, but the total effect is huge from just one suicide.
“The guilt, the lies and the questions. That’s why bringing people together is so important, it makes them know they’re not alone, too.” she said.
Drake said signs to look for in someone who may be suicidal include hearing a person talk about killing themselves or feeling hopeless; behaviors such as increased alcohol or drug use or withdrawing from activities, telling people goodbye or giving away prized possessions; as well as changes in mood such as depression, anxiety, anger, or a sudden improvement.
“That’s the time to have a conversation and ask, ‘Are you OK?’ Maybe they are,” Drake said “Maybe they don’t want to talk right now, but they know you’re a safe person when they do want to talk.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or by texting 741741.
“Whether you’re worried about yourself or someone else, they will give you resources to help,” Drake said.
“Through all of this, I’ve found a voice to help others, which also gives me hope back  in my grief,” she added. “Hope is a big part of it. Being able to help others gives me hope.”

COURTESY PHOTOS
A trio wearing signs bearing the name “Terri” take part in an Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention held in Sioux Falls. Huron will host its first Out of the Darkness Walk on Sept. 15 at Prospect Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk at 10 a.m. The event is free and everyone is welcome to join them. Four-footed walkers enjoy a treat.