Despite being the second leading cause of death for college students in the United States, suicide still remains a topic that many people are uncomfortable discussing.
“When you talk about anything involving death, it’s going to be uncomfortable,” said Chesni Kidd, director of membership development for the Alive Campaign. “But it’s something that needs to be discussed.”
More than 100 people confronted that issue at the third annual Out of the Darkness walk on Sunday.
The walk, put on by the Ball State Chapter of the Alive Campaign and the American Federation of Suicide Prevention, raised about $4,000. The Alive Campaign raised $1,000, doubling its team goal of $500.
“To see this many people come out and support us is truly an inspiring thing,” said Carmen Diaz, executive director of Ball State’s Alive Campaign.
Diaz said the nicer weather helped the turnout.
“It was definitely better weather this year than last, and it was nice to see everyone out on this beautiful day supporting the walk,” Diaz said.
The walk, one of 18 Out of the Darkness walks in Indiana this year, was three miles and started and concluded at the Atrium patio. Organizers considered the event a success and hope it will help raise awareness about suicide.
By raising awareness, people can learn how to look for signs of someone around them contemplating suicide, Diaz said.
“Just showing people they have things to live for can make all the difference,” Diaz said.
Alive members said they want the goals of the organization’s campaign, which tries to let people considering suicide know there is support, will be achieved by the walk.
“Something that we try to do as a group is make it more about celebrating life,” Kidd said. “We try to erase the negative stigma and make it something we can celebrate.”
The event gave walkers an opportunity to honor loved ones lost to suicide.
“I think [the walk] is something that helps with healing,” Diaz said. “By helping the cause, it also helps [each individual] along with the healing process.”
Walkers ranged from Ball State students hoping to make a difference to people who came from other states for the sole purpose of participating in the walk.
The Alive Campaign meets at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on the second floor of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center and welcomes new members.
“We try to make it a fun thing for everyone to do,” Kidd said. “It’s a relaxed environment.”
