American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Los Angeles & Central Coast

No matter how divided our country may feel, . If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, here are 5 simple things you can do . ... ’ To talk to someone immediately, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)' or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. (.. ’ . . ) See more

Whether you are surrounded by loved ones or by yourself for the holiday, know that you always have a community here. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! #christmas2020 #merrychristmas #itsokaynottobeokay #mentalhealthawareness

#12daysofwellness Reading can be a wonderful outlet for discovering foreign worlds or expanding our way of thinking. Here are some of our favorite excerpts from a few amazing books. What are some of yours? #readingforlife #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #afsp

#12daysofwellness Who doesn’t appreciate good food? Cooking or baking with friends and family is a great way to come together. Even virtually! Try a new recipe or learn a family recipe from a grandparent or parent this holiday season. Do you have any holiday favorite recipes? #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #afsp

#12daysofwellness With so many useful tools and resources to help maintain your mental health, we can’t stress enough how important it is to remember you are never alone. In moments where nothing seems to help you get through the tough times, we have a list of crisis lines and local resources to get you the helping hand you need to keep going #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #afsp

Day 7 #12daysofwellness Unlock your creative side with virtual tours or a paint night with friends! No matter your skill level, art is a great form of self expression or a way to unwind. Whats your favorite way to get creative? #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #afsp #hope #joy

Let's get up and move! #12daysofwellness Daily exercise is crucial to maintaining both your physical and emotional health. We know not everyone can leave the house right now, so we've included both at-home and outdoor options to get your heart (and endorphins) pumping!

Day 5 #12daysofwellness Journaling can help us to better understand our thoughts and emotions, but where do you start? We've assembled some journal prompts to help you reflect when you're struggling with writer's block. What are some of your favorites? #mentalhealthawareness

#12daysofwellness Today we want to share some great resources for free guided meditations. Meditation can be an excellent tools for managing your mental health and there are thousands of free meditations out there via YouTube or apps such as Calm and Headspace! #meditation #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #afsp #yogawithadriene #calm #headspace #goodful

Welcome to day 4 of the #12daysofwellness Today, we want to share some great resources for free guided meditations. Meditation can be an excellent tool for when managing your mental health. Luckily there are thousands of free guided meditations out there available through YouTube or apps such as Calm and Headspace! "Through meditation, we familiarize ourselves with anxiety-inducing thoughts and storylines. We learn to see them, sit with them, and let them go. In doing so, we learn two important things: thoughts do not define us, and thoughts are not real." - Headspace #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #afsp #hope # joy #meditation #meditationformentalhealth

Day 3 of the #12daysofwellness Today we are sharing a list of our favorite inspirational videos! Share your favorites with us and with your friends/family today who may be struggling this holiday season (or this year!) Who are your favorite motivational speakers? #inspirationalvideos #motivationalspeaker #afsp #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth

Day 2 of our 12 Days of Wellness. What are your favorite ways to spend time and/or reach out to loved ones?

Today we are starting our 12 days of wellness! Each day, we’ll talk about our favorite ways to unwind during the holiday season. Day 1 kicks off with music! Swipe for a list of go-to tracks to start your day on a high note and be sure to share some of your favorites in the comments! ... #music #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #musicheals #musicfeedsthesoul #12daysofwellness #hope #joy #afsp

Happy Chanukah / Hanukkah to all those who celebrate! ....................... Share with us pictures of your ! ....................... #chanukah #hanukkah #howdoyouspellit #holidayseason #mentalhealthawareness... #resilience See more

Thoughts on Survivor Day 2020 I’ve been working closely with AFSP since 2014. I’ve chaired several walks, been through loads of training programs and now serve as a board co-chair. 2020 was my first International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. In past years, I had not been available to attend as it always fell on the same day as my kids’ marching band championship days. And since my loss is so long ago, 1985, I didn’t really think it was for me as I have been going to th...Continue reading

Whether you realize it or not, you know someone affected by suicide. Statistically speaking, it’s true. 54% of people in the U.S. have lost someone to suicide, and close to one and a half million people made suicide attempts in 2017, the last year reported. No one is alone in this journey. Give today and join the movement to #StopSuicide Pasadena... https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm San Luis Obispo https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm Santa Barbara https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm Santa Monica https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm Ventura County https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm

Today is #GivingTuesday! The gift you make today to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention supports a cause you care about that impacts your friends, family, and entire community. Give today and use #Give2AFSP to share why you donate! Here’s how you can give today: Donate to one of our 5 E-vents Ventura County... https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm Santa Barbara https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm San Luis Obispo https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm Santa Monica https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm Pasadena https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm See more

When things feel uncertain or when we don’t feel safe, it’s normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed. For those who already struggle with their mental wellness, we might feel more anxious, depressed or less motivated to carry out our daily activities. While not a substitute for professional care, there are things you can do to reduce stress, encourage wellness, and restore a sense of well-being in the face of uncertainty. You know yourself best. Do what works for you. Here are a few self-care activities to help you take a step back, breathe, and focus on your well-being.

. Let’s be honest and recognize that for most of us, this year will be different. So, what can be done to make this holiday season more than... just manageable, or even something to look forward to? . Acknowledge that 2020 will be different and that's OK! , . https://afsp.org//rethinking-thanksgiving-five-tips-for-fi See more

We teach schools, communities, and workplaces how to prevent suicide. Help us fund programs that promote suicide prevention like our Interactive Screening Program by donating so we can reach even more people. Give today and use #Give2AFSP to share why you donate! afsp.org/give2afsp

Congratulations to our SoCal Out of the Darkness overall 5th place team, Terriel's Change Agents! Thank you so much for joining is in our fight to #stopsuicide this year! The team captain, Neta-Lee, had this to say of their 2020 experience: "This year our team showed up to individually fundraise in the most unexpected and amazing ways! This photo is from last year. We look forward to being physically together again next year to honor those struggling/lost and fight for Suici...de Prevention" Fundraising is open until December 31st. Visit afsp.org/socal to donate to SoCal today!

Today is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Whether you're joining a #SurvivorDay event with others in your community or honoring your loved ones privately, you are not alone in your grief. What's one thing you want other suicide loss survivors to know?

Chrissie, an advocate and volunteer, shares her experience at Survivor Day. Suicide loss and grief can be so isolating. To hear the stories of others who have thrived fills me with hope that I can get through this and still have purpose. To cry and share with others in the breakout group session makes me feel understood and less alone. Survivors Day provides the opportunity to connect with others who understand the depth of my pain, as well as the complicated emotions that ...come with suicide loss. And it also allowed me to meet incredible people who have become great friends. It is a day to not only honor your loved one, but to honor your grief, your journey and yourself. Thank you Chrissie for sharing and for being a bright light in our community. Join us tomorrow for our 2020 virtual Survivor Day event.

Join Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman and Brett Wean of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ahead of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day as they discuss how you talk to people about losing a loved one to suicide.

From our friends at the Suicide Prevention Council of SLO County.

I've been lucky enough to be part of Micah Cover's Night of the Raven since 2012. Normally performed at the Magic Castle, this year we're taking it online! Thu...rsday 11/19/20 11 PM EST/8 PM PST on Zoom. It’s FREE & a benefit for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Los Angeles & Central Coast. Info and Zoom link: https://fb.me/e/2YWB8CFrl

Here is our Pasadena Hour of Hope that we hosted last Saturday. Special thanks to our Pasadena Co Chairs Kelly Manning , Donna Stokley and our Pasadena Committee for all of their hard work in bringing hope to the Pasadena community. https://youtu.be/cO-GzFbAjc4

We support suicide prevention for Veterans and Servicemembers all year round by advocating for policies that train @deptvetaffairs, collect data to inform prevention strategies, invest in Veterans crisis lines, and support expanded mental health resources. Swipe to learn more and get involved!

Congratulations for our #3 team in this year's SoCal Out of the Darkness Experience, Cadman's Angels. The team captain, Karen, had this to say about her experience day: "For safety reasons, we weren’t able to meet as a community or walk as a team. I still wanted to mark the event and fundraise, but decided to walk alone. I walked 18-19 miles and carried names with me to honor and remember. " Thank you for your inspiring 19 mile walk, we appreciate you!

Congratulations to our 2nd place team overall for this year's SoCal Out of the Darkness Experience, In Memory of David. Kathy, the team captain, had this to say about this year's experience: "In loving memory of David, I worked in ICU at our local acute care hospital with a team of amazing doctors and nurses caring for our most critically ill patients." Thank you for your dedication to suicide prevention & our SoCal chapters, we appreciate you so much!

Whether you're spending #Halloween with your pandemic pod or having a solo night by yourself, we want you know that you're not alone and we're always here for you! How are you spending your Halloween? Share with us below! (artwork by @baobei_zhao)

Thank you, Jonathan for being such a leader and champion at AIG, in the Black community, and in our community as a whole! To date, his team, For the Culture, has raised $3,595! Please read his story and about his efforts at AIG. P.S. We love the sweatshirt too! :)

TOP TEAM ALERT! Congratulations to our #1 Fundraising Team on Experience Day: Kim's Everest Challenge For Every Life! Here's what Kim had to say about her experience: "I took on the Everest Challenge which means I rode my bike up and down one hill repeatedly until I reached the height of Mt. Everest: 29,029 ft. I rode 18.5 hours and 180 miles in one day with the goal of bringing hope to those who are fighting a battle and struggling to find the light. As a suicide attempt survivor, I wanted so much to be able to look in the mirror the day after my ride and know that I did not give up on myself as I had when I tried to take my own life. And when I finished that day, I realized I climbed a mountain...a real one and spiritual one."

This year's #SurvivorDay events may look different. Whether in person or online, we hope you'll join us for this special opportunity to join together for healing and support. To learn how loss survivors will be connecting in your area, please visit: isosld.afsp.org

THANKS TO YOU SoCal OOTD has... Raised $330,000+ 600+ Opening Ceremony Views 2,300+ Registrations & HOPE all around!... Thank you to everyone that participated in our event on Saturday! The inspirational program and supportive chat were truly beautiful! Never forget, we are #togethertofightsuicide Fundraising is open until 12/31/20 as long as you are a registered participant, and photo submissions will close 11/10/20 for our extended honor bead ceremony. Visit afsp.org/socal for more info.

! Tune-in at 5pm pacific to watch the featuring Phantogram! https://bit.ly/37t13TA

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in, fundraised for, and hiked, walked, biked, swam, painted etc for this year's SoCal Out of the Darkness Experience! We had a great day with you all, and can't wait to see you in person whenever it is safe to do so. Check out our closing ceremony video for a special message from AFSP's VP of Development & Field Management, Mike Lamma! http://ow.ly/tNQa50C1Ej5

**CONTEST REMINDER** The Top 10 TEAMS overall for all 9 events will receive a post-event social media SPOTLIGHT on ALL SoCal Chapter Facebook pages. Deadline is TONIGHT at 9:00PM (pacific time).

THANK YOU to our sponsors for this year's event. We are so grateful for your support of AFSP, especially in this unique year! We look forward to your ongoing involvement, see you in 2021!

Thank you to all of our nonprofit partners and sponsors for providing some amazing resources. To access all of their resources, you can click on the link on all local event landing pages under "Resource Fair", as well as here. Please note that the resource fair will remain live on the landing pages until 12/31. https://viewer.mapme.com/afsp

Team Ajiona Alexus had a team painting day and wanted to remind you that’s it ok not to be ok and that you are not alone. Go to their team page and donate for a chance to win one of their paintings! https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm

Did you miss today's opening ceremony? Check it out on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTwcMZXgAxw

Thank you for joining today's program! To share your experience photos, use hashtags #afsplacc afspsocal #togethertofightsuicide Keep any eye out if you missed the stream, the link to the video will be posted shortly!

We are LIVE! Head over to afsp.org/socal & choose your registered location to check out our SoCal Out of the Darkness Opening Ceremony.

Here is a the impact WE are making within the Greater Los Angeles/ Central Coast Chapter with YOUR help... Updated numbers as of 11:30 pm, Friday 10/23 Santa Monica - $41,569.32 - 258 Registrants ... Pasadena -35,022.67. - 286 Registrants Ventura County-$20,065.60 - 155 Registrants San Luis Obispo - $9,218.48 - 62 Registrants Santa Barbara - $6,380.00 - 65 Registrants $112,256.07 raised so far & 826 Registrants! We are so proud and honored by all of your efforts and are excited for our #SoCalExperience! Remember to post your pics tomorrow, tag us and make another big push to your networks so we can reach $125,000 collectively!

Here’s a great example@of what you can do for a remembrance/team activity! Head over to the page of @ajionaalexus to donate for your chance to win one of their paintings! ***And don’t forget to register by midnight tonight if you haven’t already!***... Repost from @ajionaalexus Thanks for Cham-Painting with us this weekend for a great cause! #KeepGoing

TOMORROW is the big day! We are prepping with special guests from ABC’s hit show A Million Little Things for tomorrow’s Out of the Darkness Experience! You will NOT want to miss this. Join us by registering for your local event at afsp.org/socal. The stream will go live promptly at 9am PT on all 9 of our Southern California experience pages. Be sure to create a free account at twitch.tv if you want to chat during the program! See you soon!

The SoCal Out of the Darkness Experience is this Saturday! Check out the schedule below for all of the info you need about the event. As a reminder, please create a free account at twitch.tv in order to have access to the chat feature. We will begin promptly at 9am, and the video will stream on each of the 9 SoCal event pages!... Can't wait to 'see' you there!

Repost from @ajionaalexus Suicide Prevention is important now more than ever. Together we can create a better tomorrow. Join us! Link in bio. ... #keepgoing #togethertofightsuicide

**CONTEST ALERT** Our Comfy Cozy Contest is coming to an end! The top three fundraising individuals from each experience location will earn a comfy cozy swag bag. You don't want to miss this! Contest ends October 22nd at 9pm PT. Photo is a representation of what might appear in your swag bag.... afsp.org/socal

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention comes together every year for this event to raise awareness on suicide prevention, educate our communities, suppo...rt those personally affected or who have lost a loved one. This year, they will host a virtual #OutoftheDarknessWalk on October 24 for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Join the virtual opening ceremony and participate in a virtual walk, run, bike, swim, or choose your preferred activity. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- Ventura County American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Los Angeles & Central Coast Register: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm

10 Barrel Brewing Co. Supports AFSP! Phantogram will be playing LIVE from the 10B San Diego Pub as a duo for the first time in 8 years! Stream the show live via Pitchfork's YouTube Channel at 5pm (pacific time) THIS Saturday, October 24th make it part of your Out of the Darkness Experience! Local to San Diego? 'Cali Love' Festival Take-Home Kits will be available for pick-up from the 10B San Diego Pub location starting October 17th. The $30 Kit includes: a 4 pack of Cali Lo...ve IPA, a t-shirt, glassware, face mask, and more! All proceeds minus the cost of beer will be donated to the San Diego Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. BUY: https://shop.10barrel.com/cali-love-festival.html WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yULeH2eZ3M&feature=youtu.be

The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act has been signed into law! This is a historic recognition of the importance of suicide prevention in the United States and brings us one step closer to bringing our national mental health crisis response system into the 21st century. This legislation designates 9-8-8 as the future, easy-to-access, crisis hotline number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Please note that the 9-8-8 crisis hotline will not be nationally available until July 2022. Callers in crisis should continue to access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline through 1-800-273-8255 until 9-8-8 is fully operational. https://afsp.org//nation-s-largest-suicide-prevention-orga

Thank you to all who participated in Hunt for Hope!! ALL are welcome to join us this Sunday for the Santa Monica e-vent as we celebrate our journeys, highlight YOU, and announce winners/top fundraisers. Prizes and special SoCal Experience announcements will be included. We look forward to seeing you soon! Register now at huntforhope.attendease.com photo submitted by Chantel P.

I don't know about you, but we are SO excited to be heading out of the heat & into the fall here in SoCal! The top three individual fundraisers for each SoCal location will receive a comfy cozy swag bag! Can you fundraise your way to the top & earn your bag!? **photo is representative of the items that may be included in swag bags... **contest will end October 22nd at 9pm See more

FREE AFSP SWAG!!! - MEET US THIS MORNING- FROM A DISTANCE - Sat 10-17-20 Hello AFSP SOCAL Experience People! Let's GET OUR TEAM SPIRIT GOING! Come meet us from a distance & say HELLO! TODAY - Sat. 10-17-20 from 10:45am to 11:45am @ Pasadena Central Park ... PICK UP SOME FREE AFSP SWAG! (buttons/bracelets/tattoos/YARDSIGNS/MAGNETS) Donna and I will be at Central Park tomorrow MASKED and SOCIALLY DISTANCED as we film & take photos to prepare for our upcoming Pasadena HOUR OF HOPE event on 11-7-20 - We'd love to meet you from AFAR as we pay tribute to what would have/should have been our 7th AFSP OOTD PASADENA WALK this year! MEETING LOCATION: Pasadena Central Park Address: 275 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 TEXT OR CALL Kelly Manning when you arrive to the site to locate us for some SWAG! Kelly's MOBILE# 626-808-5808 HOPE TO HEAR FROM U) YOU CAN WEAR YOUR LEGACY WALK OR TEAM SHIRT/BEADS as you would have on WALK DAY We’d love to take your photo and share your support!

**LAST CALL FOR RESOURCE FAIR PARTNERS** Are you part of a non-profit? Would you like to promote your organization to more than 2,000 SoCal Out of the Darkness participants? Visit socalresourcefair.attendease.com for more information & to register! This is the last weekend to get registered.... Questions? Email [email protected]

SoCal participant, Kelly, shares her inspiring story with us this week! "This year has been challenging in many ways. I've struggled to find calm in this ever-changing environment but slowly but surely I’ve adapted to a new normal and started to thrive again. My one constant through this time was my dog. She gave me purpose and responsibility on the days when I would have gladly stayed inside and shut myself off to the world. Walks around the neighborhood and mornings spent o...n the patio enjoying the sunshine were part of our daily routine. Having her next to me made me feel like I wasn’t going through it alone. I loved it. Recently, I had to say goodbye to my sweet dog. As a pet parent, you know this day will eventually come. I was fortunate to have this special girl in my life for over 12 years and will be forever grateful for the joy she brought to my life. Almost immediately, the impact of her being gone hit me and I found myself alone for the first time in my adult life. Sadness & anxiety flooded me. In the days after she passed, I realized that my feelings were beyond my ability to handle solo. I reached out to my support network of family & close friends and let them know I was struggling. My persona is one of positivity & strength but it was important to let them know that in this moment, I wasn’t feeling strong & needed help to get through. They showed me I wasn’t alone and help me find positivity in each day. Weekly sessions with a therapist not only help me navigate the grief from losing a pet, but also give me the tools to focus on productive activities. This is a team effort and it is a great feeling to know I have people on my side. My mental health is something I work on every day. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it especially during this difficult time. I know these feelings are temporary & a day will come when my heart is healed & I can be open to adopting a new dog. Until then, I will do everything I can to find joy in each day on my own."

Únete a nosotros para Hablar Salva Vidas este sábado, 17 Octubre, a las 10 de la mañana tiempo pacifico El suicidio se puede prevenir. Esta presentación incluirá lo que sabemos sobre esta principal causa de muerte, la investigación más reciente sobre cómo prevenirlo y lo que podemos hacer para luchar contra el suicidio. Regístrese hoy - https://hsvoct17.attendease.com/... (Saturday, October 17th - Join us for Talk Saves Lives: Spanish at 10am PT. To register, us the link above!)

This is a last-minute reminder that the Pawty Puppers ambassadorship is coming to a close on October 15th! If you haven't had a chance to donate and claim your awesome swag, click the link below! http://ow.ly/Eg2X50BRJ2K

Please join us on Thursday, October 15th at 4 pm ET for our fourth Elevating Voices for Long-Lasting Change Town Hall! During this Facebook Live, we'll be discussing suicide prevention research in diverse communities with our Vice President of Research, Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Ph.D., Regina Miranda, Ph.D., and Sean Joe, Ph.D., MSW.

Happy #mindfulmonday everyone! Today, we have a beautiful mind & body video from Marina at Loving Light Holistic Wellness. Check out the video at the link below, it's a great way to start your week. https://youtu.be/wNDQI7w89Hs... Visit @lovinglightholisticwellness on Instagram to learn more about upcoming events. They will be holding a donation-based class on October 17th in support of AFSP!

Today is Indigenous Peoples Day. We want to honor and commemorate Indigenous Peoples and recognize the hardships they faced and continue to face as a result of colonialism, racism, and systemic oppression which also contribute to the mental health outcome disparities faced by Indigenous Communities. Check out these mental health resources that directly support Indigenous Communities.

Today is World Mental Health Day! We believe mental health is just as important as physical health. Share a in the comments if you agree!