Tyler, Texas — Over a thousand East Texans took to the streets of Tyler on Saturday for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Out of the Darkness Walk. The event, organized by the foundation’s North and Central Texas chapter, aimed to break the stigma surrounding suicide and remind residents that help is always available.
Local participation and personal stories
Ryan Newcomb, executive director of the chapter, said the turnout reflected a growing willingness in East Texas to confront a difficult subject. “From research, the more that we talk about suicide, the more we can break stigma and give people the opportunity to reach out for help when they need it most,” Newcomb explained.
Among the walkers was Glenn Andrews, who lost his 22‑year‑old son to suicide in 2017. Andrews walked to share his grief and to let others know they are not alone. “A lot of people, especially if they haven’t had a personal experience with it, don’t understand how big of a problem it is in our area,” he said.
Why the walk matters in East Texas
Newcomb noted that East Texas has one of the highest suicide rates in the state. He emphasized that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the urgency of community‑wide education and support.
“Help is available and hope is there. There’s treatment and people can reach out for help. Their neighbors care, their loved ones care and we want them to know they’re not alone if they’re struggling,” Newcomb added.
First‑hand accounts of struggle and recovery
Kendall Johnson, a Tyler resident, described her own battle with suicidal thoughts and credited the Andrews Center for her recovery. “I kind of shut myself off from the world a little bit and tried to commit myself a few times,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s partner, Avery Akers, also shared a painful history of repeated suicide attempts that began in school. “A lot of my suicide started in school. I was bullied a lot for being different and picked on me. I tried attempting myself at 18. I’ve tried four different times after that,” Akers recounted.
Despite those dark moments, Akers said her daughter gave her a reason to keep living. “I have a daughter now and I know that I have to survive for her and keep living,” she affirmed.
Resources for those in crisis
Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, or anyone who knows a loved one who is, can call the 24‑hour crisis and suicide hotline at 988. The hotline connects callers with trained counselors who can provide immediate support and guide them toward local treatment options.
The Out of the Darkness Walk will continue in communities across Texas and the nation, encouraging open conversation, fostering hope, and reminding every East Texan that help is just a phone call away.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
