Last week, Sacramento State celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Out of the Darkness Experience. In previous years, students, staff, and faculty participated in a campus walk to raise awareness around mental health issues such as depression and suicide. This year, 612 participants were able to show their support by walking from home, participating in the Share Your Light social media campaign, and by donating to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Student Health and Counseling Services exceeded their fundraising goal of $20,000 before the virtual walk took place on April 15th and are continuing to take donations until June 30th“This year’s event was also designed, launched, and developed by students. The committee consisted of students wanting to share the importance of the message of suicide prevention and reducing mental health stigmas. Their passion shines through with each moment of the event and efforts leading up to the event. I can’t thank them enough for all their creativity and support to this event,” said Student Health & Counseling Health Educator, Lara Falkenstein.
Donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
In case you missed it, President Robert S. Nelsen and Jody Nelsen shared their story in honor of Out of the Darkness, with a touching and heartfelt video that you can watch above.
Along with President Nelsen, Megan Gross, a second-year Computer Science student shared her personal story with depression and suicidal ideation. Many participants on social media have since thanked Megan for sharing her powerful story of hope and resilience. You can watch Megan’s video here.
Megan Gross's Video
To support the Out of the Darkness experience, Student Affairs Marketing & Communications launched Share Your Light in partnership with Student Health & Counseling Services. Share Your Light served as a way for students, staff, and faculty to share what brings light to their life in times of darkness.
A recap of the Share Your Light campaign can be found here.
To support the Out of the Darkness experience, Student Affairs Marketing & Communications launched Share Your Light in partnership with Student Health & Counseling Services. Share Your Light served as a way for students, staff, and faculty to share what brings light to their life in times of darkness.
A recap of the Share Your Light campaign can be found here.