Mary Ann Murtha, Area Director, Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the 
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, discussed the effects of COVID 19 and isolation on mental health. One in five of us will experience a mental health issue, from the blues to full depression, Mary Ann spoke of the AFSP’s mission to end the stigma and to make help more readily available to reduce the risk of suicide.  She encouraged us to reach out to friends, learn the signs and ask questions, and she offered resources for help, the 24/7 hotline, text 741741 and their online programming.  She offered tips on ways to cope with isolation and ways to reassure and protect our kids.  

The Out of the Darkness Walk are a big part of AFSP’s fundraising and a great way to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in our local communities, this year it will be a virtual walk, online and in your neighborhood, on October 4th.  Form a team, fundraise and walk when you can, and join AFSP for a virtual celebration October 4th.

AFSP.org

HELP IS AVAILABLE 24/7 AT THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT 1-800-273-TALK OR TEXT “TALK” TO 741741.