Invisible Pain Day 2025 is a special gathering for the community to come together to honor loved ones lost to suicide due to mental illness and to support the families who continue to grieve. This event focuses on remembering those we’ve lost, spreading awareness about mental health, and showing that no one is alone in their pain. The day is inspired by the work of Deirdre Allette Asiema, who founded the Darren Jr Memorial after losing her son to mental illness, and whose efforts helped Governor Murphy establish January 7th as Invisible Pain Day in 2022.
The gathering will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, located at 1001 Fire Academy Drive, Sayreville, NJ 08872. This in-person event will be the 4th annual observance and provides an opportunity for people to connect, share their grief, and offer each other encouragement. It’s a chance to remind one another that the memory of our loved ones lives on.
Admission to the event is free, making it accessible to everyone who wishes to attend. Participants are welcome to contribute by emailing special notes or pictures to [email protected] by January 3, 2025, using the Media Release Form (available online). These contributions will be included in the day’s program, creating a meaningful tribute to those we are remembering. The event is also supported by donations, which help sustain this important occasion. Anyone interested can donate through naminj.org/donation/donate.
The program will run for four hours and includes activities and time for reflection, although the specific agenda will be shared closer to the date. Invisible Pain Day itself will also be recognized on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with a virtual observance on social media, organized by NAMI NJ and the Darren Clark Jr Memorial. This ensures that people from across the community can participate, even if they cannot attend in person.
For more details, or if you have questions about the event, contact Lisa Powell at [email protected]. Let’s come together to honor those we’ve lost, support grieving families, and continue raising awareness about mental health challenges and the importance of understanding and care.
