Formerly Suicidal Concordian To Walk From Darkness To Dawn

The impenetrable hopelessness of severe depression is something Laura Matthiesen knows all too well. In fact, the Concordian says she has struggled with bipolar disorder since childhood and even attempted suicide on multiple occasions.

But there is always darkness before dawn, and thanks to "professionals, loved ones, and dear friends," Matthiesen is finding her way "back into the light." To celebrate, share her story and let others in a similar situation know they are not alone, she will walk all night as part of a suicide prevention fundraiser.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Community Walks take place at events all over the country to raise money for research and education programs about suicide and depression, awareness campaigns, and assisting survivors. Matthiesen will participate in the Washington D.C walk on June 1 to 2. Thousands of people walk nationwide, according to AFSP, including suicide survivors and those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

In the U.S., someone dies from suicide every 14.2 minutes, according to AFSP. 

Matthiesen says she has "seen the darkness and despair that depression leaves you drowning in... feeling as if there is no way out, no hope, and no future."

She did the walk for the first time last year in San Francisco, Matthiesen writes on her website, just two months after a suicide attempt. 

"I feel I accomplished the unimaginable," she said. "I will keep walking for both myself and others. I will keep walking for this extraordinary cause. I will keep walking to prevent suicide."      

More information on the Out of Darkness walk — including local events — is available by calling 888-The-Overnight or visiting www.theovernight.org. To read more about Matthiesen make a donation, go to sites.google.com/site/afspwalk/home.

"It is a daily battle to find hope," says Matthiesen. "Still some days are easier than others. But this is hope that I am slowly finding and holding on to."

Resources for those contemplating suicide, as well as information about suicide risk factors and warning signs, is available at www.AFSP.org.