A Message from Ariel - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Ariel Carreras
- May 31, 2022
- 3 min read
Hello Beautiful Beings,
Welcome to my fundraiser page! For those of you who may not know me directly my name is Ariel and this is my fourth year entering the Annual Walk Out of Darkness. My ongoing goal is to support AFSP’s mission to implement more suicide prevention tools and reduce the suicide rate 20% by 2025. I am a proud advocate for social justice and mental health for all people. I live my days making conscious efforts to advocate for the youth communities that need resources for mental health the most.
I also want to thank you for visiting my page. By clicking here and reading my story you are doing so much more than just that - you are supporting me and many others by taking time to listen, understand, and support.
I spend most of my time with my day job as an advocate helping families to survive beyond their circumstances and further thrive in environments set before them. Outside of that, I practice a great deal of mindfulness exercises within myself and the people I surround myself with. Being able to use my altruistic nature to give individuals insight, empathy, and compassion gives me a feeling of fulfillment. I see myself as a tool and resource in guiding people to recognize their own talents and skills for their journey of self discovery.
To be frank, this year has felt like an overflowing amount of unsteadiness and changeability. There have been so many transformative phases within one year that I have been overwhelmed, burned out, and unfortunately have not been able to enjoy the major successes that I have achieved thus far. Being able to recognize that now, rather than later in life, is a blessing within itself; However, I’ve been finding myself in this loop of panic that steals away my joy, gratitude, and awareness. Now, more than ever, I am honored to have a strong support system. If it wasn’t for the friends and family that I have curated over the course of time, then I’m not sure how I would have pivoted through the ups and downs that my journey has thrown my way. I myself have learned how immensely important it is to have a community of support around you when you cannot see or feel your own joy and I am so grateful.
My goals that I have for myself and the future are made up of families, communities, and systems that support one another. Most importantly, my future isn’t just a painted picture of what I want for myself, but the society that surrounds me. Being present for others as an aid of support is so significant to me because I have seen how it makes all of the difference and most importantly - it makes the world a bit of a happier place to be in.
This foundation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, raises funds to support individuals, friends, and family affected by suicide. Also, raising funds helps to influence laws and literature to best educate people in the workplace, schools, and their daily lives. Money isn't the only way AFSP can make a difference, but opening the door to conversations around suicide creates a safe space for your community.
I am joining hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
I am extending the invitation to you in hopes that you will join the conversation and open that door of understanding and compassion for your own community surrounding hard topics like suicide. I invite you to open these important conversations with those that you love and serve as a role model for those around you; Be your own to be a vessel of insight. That being said I see my future as one filled with kindness, for myself and others. Help me to spread that kindness around. If you are interested in learning more about how you can play a role in The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention goal explore the site under "Get Involved ".
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read what I am sharing with you. I hope this can start a chain of kindness and motivate you to start conversations of your own with peers on mental health and/or suicide prevention.
- Ariel
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