Stone Mountain resident works on upcoming Out of the Darkness event

November 1, 2021 Christine Fonville

For Stone Mountain resident Ica Rachel, her work with the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has not only helped others but also herself.

“Working with AFSP has helped me to find a safe space to share my story,” she said. “It is a space where I can speak with others who can understand what it is like to lose a friend or family member to death by suicide. It is a nonjudgmental, peaceful place where we all can work together for a purpose that personally matters to us and has impacted us. It is a beautiful example of what genuine love is in my mind.”

Rachel said her life changed on May 17, 2019, when her brother Wesley died by suicide. “I felt this sense of desperation when he died, and I began searching online for other people who could possibly understand. There were so few sources for sibling survivors of suicide loss, but during this time, I found AFSP and got involved through an Out of the Darkness experience.”

Ica Rachel, right, hugs her brother Wesley. Rachel is helping organize and work on this year’s Out of the Darkness Event for the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Photos submitted by AFSP Georgia

Out of the Darkness, hosted annually by AFSP, draws thousands of participants to the suicide prevention movement. Rachel said at the event, attendees can expect an open and safe space with resources to help those personally struggling or those who may know others who are struggling with suicidal ideation, loss, grief, addiction, and more. At each event, there is an area where volunteers, survivors of suicide loss, and professional mental health experts will provide information and speak with attendees before a commemorative ceremony and walk take place.

Rachel is working as part of the organizational team for this year’s Out of the Darkness event, which will take place Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.

AFSP officials stated at this year’s event, health and safety will remain a top priority and, to keep the community safe during the ongoing pandemic, the organization is planning for a socially distanced, simplified experience.

Rachel said she hopes sharing her story will encourage other DeKalb County residents to participate in the Out of the Darkness event and seek the helpful resource AFSP has to offer.

“I highly recommend attending the Out of the Darkness event. AFSP has the kindest, most genuine, helpful, and hopeful people that I have the great pleasure of knowing and calling a part of my community,” said Rachel.

For more information, visit www.afsp.org.