Mental health advocate walks to raise awareness for suicide prevention

CHARLOTTE — A local mental health advocate celebrates life by working to save others after surviving suicide.

[WSOC Mental Health Resource Guide]

Twenty seven years ago, Fonda Bryant says she planned to take her own life until a family member stepped up to get her the help she needed. Now, Bryant is hoping to make a similar impact.

On Saturday, she walked 27 miles to mark the number of years she’s been a survivor of suicide.

“The thing about suicide is it’s preventable. It’s the most preventable death of all deaths,” she said. “By simply being educated on warning signs. By simply caring, checking on someone, we can stop suicide. And that’s what I’m out here today to spread the message that it’s everybody’s business. Everybody needs to get involved and anyone can stop the tragedy of suicide.

The walk from the University City area of Charlotte to Gastonia raised funds for her nonprofit, Wellness Action Recovery.

On Sunday, to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, Charlotte’s buildings and stadiums will be lit up green in support of the cause.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

(Watch the video below: Charlotte’s Hidden Crisis Part 5)

'Charlotte's Hidden Crisis: There is Help, There is Hope' Part 5 'Charlotte's Hidden Crisis: There is Help, There is Hope' Part 5

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