Sarah Hart- Area Director for AFSP in Philadelphia discussed the campaign, Talk Saves Lives.  She encourages us to fight the stigma of suicide by asking how our friends and family are feeling, are they thinking of suicide, do they have a plan or do they have the means, if they are not, no harm.  Be honest, say that you care.   She reminds us that – we might be the only one to ask.   Sarah offers advice, don’t glamorize suicide or harp on how celebrities end their lives,  when children or teens are exposed to suicide,  in film or fiction or through news feeds, ask them ‘how do you feel about that’ and ‘have you ever experienced anything like that?’  She discussed the programs that AFSP offers, including in-school programs, counselors, a speakers bureau, research and support groups. volunteer opportunities with AFSP and their annual walk, Out of the Darkness, October 7th at the Philadelphia Art Museum.   WALK DETAILS

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ONLINE

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.