About Honor Beads
Losing someone to suicide or struggling with a mental illness can feel like no one understands what you are going through. Unlike other illnesses, it is difficult to look at someone and know their connection.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are journeys of remembrance and events that unite a community – a time to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental illness have affected our lives and our loved ones. We all wear honor beads - each color shows our personal connection to the cause, and helps us identify others who understand our experience.
Honor Beads on Walk Day
Honor Beads are distributed free of charge at the Out of the Darkness Walks. Usually they are in buckets or on tables, and participants are welcome to choose any color or colors that symbolize their connection to the cause.
Each honor bead color symbolizes a different connection to the cause:
- White - loss of a child.
- Red - loss of a spouse or partner.
- Gold - loss of a parent.
- Orange - loss of a sibling.
- Purple - loss of a friend or relative.
- Silver - loss of a first responder or military member.
- Green - personal attempt or struggle.
- Teal - supporting someone who struggles or has attempted.
- Blue is for supporting the cause.
- Rainbow - honoring the LGBTQ community.
Social Media Graphics
Download and share these Honor Bead social media graphics to show your connection to the cause and your reasons for walking. Sharing your connection can reduce stigma, spread awareness, and encourage others to be vulnerable. All of this helps create a culture that is smart about mental health.
Graphics include square graphics for each Honor Bead color, graphics sized for your Instagram story, and graphics of each color that you can customize with your own story or words of encouragement.
Honor Bead Flyers
Download and share these Honor Bead flyers in English or Spanish:
Find an Out of the Darkness Walk near you today! For tips on fundraising or creating teams, visit the Participant Hub and Team Central.
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