Erika McMahon Runs Boston Marathon for Suicide Prevention After Mother’s Death
Table of Contents
- 1. Erika McMahon Runs Boston Marathon for Suicide Prevention After Mother’s Death
- 2. Understanding Suicide Prevention: AFSP’s Role
- 3. Recognizing Suicide Risk Factors & Warning Signs
- 4. Taking Action: How You Can Help
- 5. Related Stories
- 6. What steps can we, as a community, take to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and create more accessible resources for those who are struggling?
- 7. Running for hope: An Interview with Erika McMahon on the Boston Marathon and Suicide Prevention
- 8. A Conversation with Erika McMahon
- 9. Remembering Beth: More Than a statistic
- 10. The Boston Marathon: Resilience and Community
- 11. AFSP’s mission: Education, Advocacy, and Support
- 12. Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
- 13. A Call to Action: Supporting Suicide Prevention
- 14. A Final Thought: How Can We Better Support Mental Health in Our Communities?
Running for Team AFSP, McMahon aims to raise funds and awareness in honor of her mother, Beth.
Erika McMahon, 42, of Scituate, Mass.,is preparing to run the Boston Marathon with Team American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in memory of her mother,Beth,who died by suicide on July 4,2022.
Before her passing, Beth was a single mother, artist, gardener, and loving parent. “She was selfless, brilliant, a talented artist, prolific gardener, and deeply loved,” McMahon said. “She worked tirelessly, defied odds, and still showed up for me in every way.”
McMahon emphasizes that her mother’s life was defined by much more than her final moments. Her mother’s strength and care shaped McMahon’s own approach to motherhood. Beth was joyful, compassionate, and creative.
By running the Boston Marathon, McMahon seeks to honor her mother’s memory and contribute to suicide prevention efforts. AFSP’s work includes education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by suicide. “AFSP’s work – through education, advocacy, and support for those affected – saves lives, and every step I take is for my mom and for those fighting,” McMahon stated.
The Boston Marathon, to McMahon, symbolizes resilience, strength, and community. Running for AFSP in her home city is a meaningful endeavor: McMahon said “Boston is my home, and the Marathon represents resilience, strength, and the power of community. Running for AFSP is one of the most meaningful things I will ever do.”
McMahon is fundraising to support AFSP. Those interested in donating can visit her fundraising page: Erika McMahon’s AFSP Fundraising Page.
Understanding Suicide Prevention: AFSP’s Role
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy. Their comprehensive approach tackles suicide from multiple angles:
- Research: AFSP funds scientific research to better understand the causes of suicide and develop effective prevention strategies.
- Education: They offer educational programs for schools, workplaces, and communities to raise awareness about suicide, reduce stigma, and teach people how to recognize warning signs and offer help.
- Advocacy: AFSP advocates for policies at the local, state, and federal levels to improve access to mental health care and support suicide prevention initiatives.
- Support: They provide resources and support for individuals who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, as well as for families and friends who have lost someone to suicide.
Recognizing Suicide Risk Factors & Warning Signs
Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of suicide is crucial for effective prevention.While not everyone who experiences these factors will attempt suicide,being aware can help you identify individuals who may need support.
Risk Factors: Common risk factors for suicide include:
- Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
- Previous suicide attempts.
- A family history of suicide.
- Trauma or abuse.
- Loss of a loved one, job, or relationship.
- Social isolation.
- Access to lethal means, such as firearms or medications.
Warning signs: Pay attention to these warning signs that may indicate someone is considering suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
- Withdrawing from friends and family.
- Giving away possessions.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- aggressive behavior
Taking Action: How You Can Help
If you notice these warning signs in someone you know, take the following steps:
- Reach out and ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking doesn’t increase the risk.
- Listen without judgment: Let them talk and express their feelings without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
- express concern: Let them know you care and want to help.
- Seek professional help: Encourage them to contact a mental health professional, crisis hotline, or trusted friend or family member.
- Stay with them: If you believe they are in immediate danger, stay with them until professional help arrives.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- the Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)
What steps can we, as a community, take to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and create more accessible resources for those who are struggling?
Running for hope: An Interview with Erika McMahon on the Boston Marathon and Suicide Prevention
Erika McMahon discusses her upcoming Boston Marathon run for AFSP, honoring her mother’s memory and raising awareness for suicide prevention.
Ahead of her run in the Boston Marathon, we sat down with Erika McMahon, a 42-year-old from Scituate, Massachusetts, who is running for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in memory of her mother, Beth. this interview explores Erika’s motivation, her mother’s legacy, and her commitment to suicide prevention.
A Conversation with Erika McMahon
Sarah Jenkins, archyde News: Erika, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Running the Boston Marathon is an unbelievable feat. what inspired you to run for team AFSP, especially in memory of your mother?
Erika McMahon: thank you for having me, Sarah. My mother,Beth,was the most selfless and loving person I knew. Losing her to suicide in July 2022 was devastating. Running the Boston Marathon for AFSP is my way of honoring her lovely life and contributing to suicide prevention efforts. I want to ensure that other families don’t have to experience this profound loss.
Remembering Beth: More Than a statistic
Sarah Jenkins, archyde News: You’ve emphasized that your mother’s life was defined by so much more than her final moments. Can you share a little about who beth was as a person?
Erika McMahon: Absolutely. My mom was a brilliant artist,a prolific gardener,and an incredibly devoted single mother. She defied so many odds and always showed up for me.She had this amazing ability to find joy and beauty in the everyday, and she instilled that in me. She shaped my approach to motherhood, and her compassion was boundless.
The Boston Marathon: Resilience and Community
Sarah Jenkins, Archyde News: The Boston Marathon holds a special place in many hearts. What does it represent to you, particularly in the context of running for AFSP?
Erika McMahon: boston is my home, and to me, the Marathon embodies resilience, strength, and the power of community. Running thru these streets, knowing that people are cheering me on – not just for the race itself, but for the cause – is incredibly motivating. It feels like I’m part of something bigger, a community united in raising awareness and support for suicide prevention.
AFSP’s mission: Education, Advocacy, and Support
Sarah Jenkins, Archyde News: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention plays a crucial role in suicide prevention. What aspects of AFSP’s work resonate most with you?
Erika McMahon: I am incredibly impressed by AFSP’s comprehensive approach. Their work through research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide saves lives. The educational programs they offer to schools and workplaces are vital in raising awareness and reducing stigma. Knowing that my efforts are contributing to these initiatives gives me strength and purpose.
Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
Sarah Jenkins, Archyde News: Suicide prevention requires community awareness. What are some key warning signs people should be aware of, and what steps can they take if they’re concerned about someone?
Erika McMahon: It’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs, which can include talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from friends and family, changes in sleep patterns, and increased substance use. If you notice these signs in someone, reach out and ask them directly if they’re thinking about suicide. Listen without judgment, express your concern, and encourage them to seek professional help. If you believe they are in immediate danger,stay with them and call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
A Call to Action: Supporting Suicide Prevention
Sarah Jenkins, Archyde News: Erika, where can people go if they want to support your fundraising efforts for AFSP?
Erika McMahon: Anyone interested in donating can visit my fundraising page on GivenGain: Erika McMahon’s AFSP Fundraising Page. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
A Final Thought: How Can We Better Support Mental Health in Our Communities?
Sarah Jenkins, Archyde News: Thank you, Erika, for sharing your story and your commitment to this vital cause. As we conclude, what’s one thing you wish more people understood about suicide prevention, and what question would you pose to our readers about how we can collectively foster better mental health support in our communities?
Erika McMahon: I wish more people understood that suicide is preventable. It’s frequently enough the result of untreated mental health conditions, and with the right support, individuals can find hope and healing. My question to your readers is: what practical steps can we, as a community, take to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and create more accessible resources for those who are struggling? How can we encourage open conversations and build stronger support networks where everyone feels safe seeking help? I truly believe that open dialogue and community support are paramount to suicide prevention.
