Walk outside on a crisp Saturday morning in almost any major American city, and you might see them. Thousands of people. Most are wearing blue or silver beads around their necks. Some are crying; others are laughing. It’s a heavy scene, honestly. But it’s also weirdly hopeful. These are the Out of the Darkness Walks, the flagship events for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and they’ve quietly become one of the largest grassroots movements in the country.
It isn't just a stroll in the park.
For a lot of people, showing up is the hardest part. Suicide used to be—and often still is—a "hush-hush" topic. People didn't talk about it at dinner. They didn't post about it on Instagram. But these walks changed the math on that. Since the first one kicked off back in 2004, they’ve raised hundreds of millions of dollars. More importantly, they’ve forced a very dark subject into the literal sunlight.
What actually happens at an Out of the Darkness Walk?
If you’ve never been, the vibe is hard to describe. It’s not a race. Nobody is timing you. There are no medals for finishing first. Instead, the focus is on "Honor Beads." This is a specific AFSP tradition where different colors represent different types of loss. White is for the loss of a child. Red is for a spouse or partner. Gold is for a parent. Green is for a personal struggle.
Seeing someone wearing five different colors is a gut punch. It’s a visual map of grief.
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The event usually starts with a ceremony. Real people get on stage and tell their stories—not polished, PR-friendly versions, but the raw stuff. The "I didn't think I'd be here today" stuff. Then, the walk begins. It’s usually a 3-to-5-mile loop. You’ll see dogs with bandanas, strollers, and entire families wearing custom T-shirts with a loved one’s face on them.
The science of walking together
There’s actually some interesting psychology behind why this works. Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, the Senior Vice President of Research at AFSP, has often pointed out that connection is a literal life-saver. Isolation is a huge driver of suicidal ideation. When you put 5,000 people who have all felt that same specific brand of pain in one place, that isolation kind of dissolves.
It's "social integration" in real-time.
Basically, when you see a stranger wearing the same color beads as you, you don't have to explain anything. You both just know. That shared understanding does something to the brain's stress response. It lowers the "burden" factor—the feeling that you're a burden to others because of your mental health struggles.
The three types of walks you'll see
AFSP doesn't just do one version of this. They’ve scaled it to fit different needs, which is probably why it has stayed relevant for over two decades.
- Community Walks: These are the big ones. They happen in over 400 cities across all 50 states. Usually held in the fall.
- Campus Walks: Aimed at high school and college students. Since suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, these are arguably the most critical.
- The Overnight Walk: This is the "boss level" version. It’s a 16-to-18-mile trek that starts at dusk and ends at dawn. The symbolism is pretty obvious—walking through the night into the light—but it’s physically grueling. People do it to prove they can handle the "long haul" of recovery.
Why people get the "Why" wrong
A common misconception is that these walks are just about "raising awareness."
Honestly? Awareness is a bit of a buzzword. Everyone "knows" suicide exists. The Out of the Darkness Walk is actually about funding. The money raised goes toward things like the Interactive Screening Program (ISP), which helps colleges and workplaces identify people at risk before they reach a crisis point. It also funds "Talk Saves Lives," a community program that teaches people the actual red flags to look for.
We aren't just talking about feelings; we're talking about clinical intervention.
There’s also the legislative side. AFSP uses the momentum from these walks to lobby for things like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When thousands of people show up in a city, local politicians notice. It makes it harder for them to cut mental health budgets when their constituents are literally marching past their windows.
Acknowledging the "Lived Experience"
A huge shift in the mental health world lately has been the inclusion of people with "lived experience." This means people who have survived an attempt or live with chronic suicidal thoughts. For a long time, the medical community talked about these people, not to them.
The walks flipped that.
Survivors are often the leaders of these events. This matters because it breaks the "victim" narrative. It shows that you can have a history of crisis and still lead a movement. It's empowering, and frankly, it's about time.
What the critics (and the data) say
No movement is perfect. Some critics argue that large-scale walks can be "performative" or that the money spent on event logistics could go directly to beds in psychiatric wards. It’s a fair point. Event permits, insurance, and T-shirts aren't free.
However, AFSP maintains a high rating on Charity Navigator (often 3 or 4 stars), meaning most of the cash goes to programs. And you can't really put a price on the "de-stigmatization" effect. How do you measure the value of a teenager seeing their teacher at a suicide prevention walk? You can't. But it probably makes that kid feel a lot safer coming forward if they’re struggling.
Real talk: If you’re thinking about going
Don't feel like you have to be "healed" to show up. Most people aren't.
If you're planning to participate in an Out of the Darkness Walk, here’s the reality: it’s emotional. You will probably cry. You will definitely see things that trigger memories. But you’ll also find a community that doesn't flinch when you talk about the hard stuff.
Practical things to keep in mind:
- Check the calendar early. Most Community Walks happen between September and November (National Suicide Prevention Month is September).
- You don't have to raise $1,000. While fundraising is encouraged, most walks allow you to participate even if you only raise a small amount or just want to walk in solidarity.
- Bring tissues. Sounds cliché, but seriously.
- Register online. Most sites use a platform called DonorDrive. It makes it easier for the organizers to track T-shirt sizes and emergency contact info.
How to actually help someone today
Walking is great. It’s a powerful symbol. But if you want to take that energy back into your real life, you have to be prepared for the "Mondays." Mental health doesn't just happen on a Saturday morning in a park.
- Learn the 988 number. It’s not just for people in immediate danger. You can call or text it if you're worried about a friend and don't know what to say.
- Ask the direct question. Research shows that asking someone "Are you thinking about suicide?" does not put the idea in their head. It actually provides relief.
- Follow up. If someone tells you they're struggling, check on them three days later. That’s usually when the "bravery hangover" sets in and they feel vulnerable for sharing.
The Out of the Darkness Walk is a starting point, not a finish line. It’s a way to publicly declare that these lives—and your own life—have value. Whether you're wearing gold beads for a parent or green beads for yourself, you're part of a massive, quiet army that’s decided the darkness doesn't get to win.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to get involved or need support, start here:
- Find a local walk: Visit the AFSP website and use their "Find a Walk" tool to search by zip code. Registration is usually free, though there are often fundraising minimums to earn the official T-shirt.
- Volunteer for a committee: These walks are planned by locals, not just corporate offices. They always need people to handle logistics, sponsorships, and "Honor Bead" stations.
- Take a "Talk Saves Lives" training: Many chapters offer these for free online or in person. It’s a 45-minute crash course in suicide prevention that gives you the actual language to use during a crisis.
- Update your emergency contacts: Ensure you have the 988 Lifeline saved in your phone. It's a small step that can make a massive difference in a high-stress moment.