In unity and hope: ASU students host third annual “Out of the Darkness Campus Walk”

6 minutes

 

Students walking in support of the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk last year, March 18, 2023. | Photo courtesy of Anitah Diggs, ASU Student Life

 

In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the student organizations of Devils 4 Devils, the Accessibility Coalition and Recovery Rising of Arizona State University will host its third annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to aid in suicide awareness and prevention on March 16, 2024. This student-led event serves as a beacon of hope, unity and support for those affected by suicide, while also aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk — which is open to the public —  is not just a mere event; it's a movement that brings ASU students, faculty, staff and the community together to stand in solidarity. ASU recognizes the importance of fostering an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, valued and empowered to seek help when needed.

“That’s where ‘Out of the Darkness’ comes from,” Emily Hinsberger said. “[We’re] bringing people hope. And that hope comes through connectedness.”

Hinsberger is a second-year master’s of counseling student at the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, and is the main chair in organizing the walk at ASU. In cultivating human connectedness through events like the Out of the Darkness Campus walk, Hinsberger hopes to foster a more receptive and empathetic environment. Participation in the walk is not only an opportunity to show support for those who have been impacted by suicide but also a chance to honor the memories of those lost. It's a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles and that there are resources and support networks available.

“That’s really the root of the whole event,” Hinsberger said. “It’s healing. We've had some alumni who they've lost their child to suicide [and] they're here making a statement that their child hasn't been lost to that darkness that they were in or that pain that they were experiencing. There's a movement of connectedness and hope that really extends beyond ASU.” 

 

Emily Hinsberger [RIGHT] speaking at last year’s walk. | Photo courtesy of Anitah Diggs, ASU Student Life

 

According to the AFSP, suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students, and is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 47,000 individuals each year. Events like the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk play a crucial role in raising awareness about the prevalence of suicide and the importance of mental health support. Suicide is preventable, and by coming together as a community, a conversation can begin where the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help can be broken down in favor of a culture of openness and understanding.

“76% of people, when they're having a really difficult time, they're gonna turn to their friends and family before they turn to a professional, so more likely than not, you're going to be having these tough conversations,” Hinsberger said. “It is an opportunity for people to be there, understand and connect. Having these conversations [let’s] people know that they're not alone.”

Moreover, the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk serves as a platform for education and advocacy. Throughout the event, participants will have access to information about mental health resources, suicide prevention strategies and ways to support those in need. 

“The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk is a powerful event for anyone who attends, the power is in experiencing and learning, and holding space for strangers around you,” Erin Trujillo, ASU Counseling Services assistant vice president and director, said. “It's such a powerful way to experience other people. It's a powerful way to listen to stories. It's a powerful way to show up in solidarity.” 

 

Walk participants holding up beaded necklaces in support— each color representing a different connection to mental health and suicide.  Photo courtesy of Anitah Diggs, ASU Student Life

In addition to ASU’s number of mental health support resources open to students, faculty and staff, Trujillo also offers safeTALK — a one-time, three hour program that trains its participants in “all the skills for checking in on those we care about, how to ask about suicide and mental health crises, to offer support, and how to connect people to resources that can help them.” 

SafeTALKis not exclusive for Sun Devils —  it's open to all adults in the community via email request to Erin Trujillo. 

For ASU students, there are several mental health, wellness clubs and organizations for students to participate in and join (i.e. Devils 4 Devils, If You’re Reading This, the Accessibility Coalition, etc.). 

Devils 4 Devils — which Hinsberger helped establish — is also offering their Roadmap of Support on March 27, 2024, from 6 - 7 p.m., in-person at the Tempe campus’ Memorial Union (Room 210 “Plata”) and online via Zoom. For those interested in learning more about the program, and want to be better educated in the space of mental health, fill out a request form through Devils 4 Devils, or send an email to Emily Hinsberger. This is offered on top of their bi-weekly Wednesday club meetings.

The goal with these offerings is to equip ASU students, faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to help individuals to take action, make a difference in the lives of others, and to simply be there for those in need of support and connection.

For all ASU students, faculty members, or member of the community, online registration is still open for the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk.  It is a family event— all are welcome to attend. For more information about the walk, to register, or make a donation (with proceeds going to the AFSP), visit the ASU Out the Darkness Campus Walk webpage. 

The walk is scheduled for March 16, 2024 on the Student Services Lawn on ASU’s Tempe Campus at 11 a.m. If you are unable to register online, day-of-the-event, in-person registration opens at 10:30 a.m. 

The walk stands as a testament to ASU’s commitment to human connectivity, unity and visibility — not just for one day, but as a continuous journey towards creating a brighter, healthier future for all. Hopefully in unity, a powerful message of hope and resilience can be sent.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, help is available.

 

Resources for ASU students:

ASU Counseling Services, call +1 (480)965-6146, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ASU Counseling Services Open Call and Open Chat
ASU’s dedicated crisis line through EMPACT, available 24/7, call +1 (480)921-1006

Resources for the community:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 988, for Veterans press 1
LGBTQ Crisis Line - Trevor Project, call +1 (866)488-7386
Crisis Text Line, text TALK (8255) to 741741
Teen Lifeline, call or text +1 (602)248-8336 (TEEN)
Arizona Crisis Lines