Zoraida Cordero, Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Greater Philadelphia discussed the 12th leading cause of death in the US, suicide.  We discussed their mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, education and awareness campaigns, and programs and events for the community.  We spoke of mental recognizing the difference between common moods and situations where professional help is needed, especially for young people.  She discussed their main goal, getting us talking about mental health and suicide, out in the open, and being willing to talk to someone who may be struggling.  She described their new campaign, Talk Away The Dark, online videos and easy to follow guides to help you begin a conversation about suicide, from opening lines to follow through with mental health professionals.  Together with 988, the national crisis talk/text number, Talk Away The Dark gives us the resources to offer help and hope to anyone struggling. Visit AFSP.org

Learn more with #TalkAwayTheDark.

Always remember, if you, a friend or a loved one is in crisis, call or text 988, or text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7.  If you’ve lost someone to suicide, support is available: visit https://afsp.org/ive-lost-someone.