The holidays often arrive with twinkling lights, festive music, joyful gatherings, and traditions carried from year to year. But for those carrying grief, this time of year can feel incredibly heavy. The world may look bright and celebratory, yet inside, the heart is aching. The contrast alone can be overwhelming. This season, which encourages togetherness, can deepen the ache for those we grieve, making it difficult to move through even the simplest moments or tasks.

On November 16th, we had the honor of serving as a Community Partner at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk in Miami. People often say Miami has the most beautiful weather, beaches, and people, and on this day, that felt undeniably true. The sky was a perfect blue, the sun was beaming everywhere, and a soft breeze drifted in from the water’s edge. But the real beauty was in the people who gathered at the walk; they were open-hearted, compassionate, and ready to hug, hold hands, and share words of hope.

I received a text message that stayed with me long after I read it. A young lady shared about her grief experience, and she wrote something that resonated deeply: “Grief is such a strange thing… we often think of it in such a negative light.” Her words reminded me of the conversations I have had with so many people who feel lost, overwhelmed, or afraid of their own grief.

On November 1st, we had the honor of being a community partner at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Palm Beach. The day was absolutely beautiful, with blue skies, cool breezes, and sunshine that seemed to wrap around us like a gentle hug. Just hours before the event, I received the news that my book, Grieving You, had been approved for publication.  Surrounded by love, remembrance, and resilience, I made the decision to launch Grieving You right there at the walk.

On October 26th, we took part in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Broward to help raise awareness for suicide prevention, support positive mental health, and promote my book, Grieving You. As we drove to the event, the rain began to fall, and it continued for a while. But through every dark and gloomy cloud, our mission remained clear. We were there with a purpose: to reach those who are struggling in silence, to comfort those who carry the heavy weight of “why,” and to share love and hope with those who grieve.

Over the next few weekends, I’ll be sharing mental health resources at three local American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Out of the Darkness Walks. As I prepared for these events, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could offer participants. I wanted it to be meaningful and something Kathy would have loved.

As we reflect on World Mental Health Day, just know that everyone’s story matters, and everyone deserves support. Be gentle with yourself, be kind to others, and keep showing up with empathy. The world becomes a better place when we care for ourselves and for each other, every day, not just today.

Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) organizes walks on campuses, in parks, and throughout communities across the country. These events bring people together to raise awareness about the mental health crisis, share resources for those in need, and create a space of comfort and connection for families and friends who have lost someone to suicide.

From the very first day we lost Kathy, I began documenting my grief, and I revisited those writings, reflecting on my relationship with loss. Out of that reflection, I’ve created a book of poems about grief, grieving, and my personal journey through it all. The book is in its final stages of preparation for publication, and I’ll share more details as the launch date approaches.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s commit to compassion, connection, and change. Every conversation matters, every act of kindness matters, and together, we can help prevent suicide.

Each September, we take time to shine a light on a difficult but important truth: suicide is one of the leading causes of death, yet it is preventable. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a reminder that each of us can play a role in saving lives, in our families, our workplaces, and our communities.

Something truly disheartening happened: the dedicated support for the LGBTQ+ community through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was removed. For many, this space was a vital lifeline, a place to feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. In a world where LGBTQ+ people already face disproportionate rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, taking away tailored support sends a painful message that their needs aren’t a priority.

Sometimes the moments when we feel lost and alone can also be the moments when a single post, a single word, or a single message shines a light just bright enough to guide us through the darkness. A few months ago, a social media follower of In Her Name shared a deeply personal voice message that captured this truth in its purest form.

People who are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts often show non-verbal signs, sometimes subtle, sometimes more noticeable, especially if they’re struggling to ask for help directly.

June is dedicated to raising awareness about men’s mental health, an important but often overlooked part of overall well-being.

When we talk about mental health, one critical conversation that gets overlooked is the mental health of men. While anyone can experience anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal thoughts, men face unique barriers to seeking help... barriers shaped by societal norms that encourage toughness, silence, and emotional suppression. It's time to challenge those expectations. It's time to say, that men struggle too and they deserve support without shame.

Every May, communities, organizations, schools, and individuals across the country come together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, break stigma, and advocate for the importance of mental health.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and responsibilities. However, amidst the chaos, it is crucial to take a step back and check in on those we care about, especially those who may be struggling with their mental health. A simple conversation, a thoughtful question, or even just being present for someone, can make a world of difference.

We walked for our beloved Kathy at the Out of the Darkness Community Walk …. a walk for hope, remembrance, and healing.

Stopping the suicide crisis requires a collective effort to promote mental health awareness, provide support, encourage professional help, and implement preventive measures. By taking these steps, we can create a society where individuals feel supported and valued, and where those at risk receive the help they need.