Walk brings suicide out of the darkness

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Dozens gathered at the Out Of The Darkness community walk held at Millennium Park Saturday to help raise money for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

An issue rarely discussed, despite the fact that 32,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States.

"It's a very big issue. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people and the second leading cause of death for college students, and it effects anybody and everybody from every walk of life." Misty Hendricks, co-chair of the event told 24 Hour News 8.

On July 11th, 21-year-old Matthew Eardley died by suicide. His family and friends were sharing his story to heal themselves and help those who are going through the same emotions.

His brother, Jeff Eardley said "We definitely knew there were some hardships he was going through, but we didn't think they would escalate to this level, but it did and we're here today to deter that from happening to people and other families."

Vicky Schroeder lost her son Derek Pahl in 2005. "Ah.. My son, he was a wonderful kid. He was talented. He was smart. He was bright. He had it all."

The event's goal is to eliminate the stigma attached to suicide. 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of death.

Walkers made it known that conditions like depression and bi-polar disorder are treatable before escalating to suicide.

But even after, they have each other.

"We can come here, we can remember our loved ones, we can meet new friends and support each other. That's critical." Schroeder said.

If you or someone you know is battling depression or another type of psychiatric disorder and is contemplating suicide, there is help available. You can contact the Mental Health Association of Michigan or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for assistance.