National Suicide Prevention Week- Meet Nicole

As runners, we talk a lot about our physical health, but what about our mental health? For Suicide Prevention Week, we’re talking with Newton Ambassador Nicole Gartside about the issue of suicide and how you can change the conversation in your circle and in your community.

Even though suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationwide, it’s not often talked about. As our country faces increased rates of depression and anxiety amidst the current pandemic, it’s more important than ever to change the conversation about mental health and advocate for change.

After losing her dad to suicide, Nicole found ways to leverage her passion for wellness and running to advocate for mental healthcare and suicide prevention. She is a board member of the Central Texas chapter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and chairs an annual benefit run for the cause.

To advocate for change in your community, you can sign up to be an advocate at asfp.org/advocate, or visit https://afsp.org/make-a-difference to see how you can get involved. And if you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741.