Students raise awareness about suicide at annual "Out of the Darkness" walk

GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich (FOX 2) - Suicide affects so many people; more than 40-thousand Americans take their own lives every year. 

"I have had many close friends and I actually lost one of my family members this past summer so I really want people to realize that it actually is an issue and I just want to bring awareness," Tori Huffman said, Junior at Grosse Pointe South.

This is the 5th annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” and Mental Health Fair. The event in Grosse Pointe Woods raises awareness about Mental Health. 

Many of the people attending have a personal connection.

"I lose two family members over the past year so just being here, it’s beautiful outside, bringing awareness I think it’s really going to help the community," Felicia Frabis said, WSU Senior.

Student Organizer Justin Desmet wants people to know you have other options.

“Earlier this year our coach’s old captain, he committed suicide and it’s just sad and we just want to let people know there are other options out there,” Desmet said.

One of the main messages of “Out of the Darkness" walk is to educate people on mental health.

"It's the same as physical health, if you break your arm you still have to work out your arm and get back and go to therapy, same thing with your brain and everything like that," Hope Miller said organizer and student at Grosse Pointe North.

The event is organized in part by students at Grosse Pointe South High School. 

In one of their classes, students got to choose an organization to get involved with and the organizers picked the “Out of the Darkness” walk.

The students leave you with an important message.

"If someone is struggling they see that there is a community of people they can turn to when they need help," Ritika Pansar said.

"If you ever feel that you’re in a weird place and you think that you’re going to harm yourself or you’re feeling sad don’t be afraid to reach out because you never know who’s going through something and who can relate to you," Miller said.

If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.