In light of recent events, I was in midst of conversation with someone whose opinion I (thought) I valued considerably.
Mental Illness does not discriminate– not gender, not race, not socioeconomic status, not nada. To believe one is above all else [successful people] over I would assume the antonym of which, it is paramount we reflect why it is that even with all the recourses in the world, people still find the need to exit on their terms.
Wondering why “successful” people die by suicide is like saying money can cure suicidal actions.
I wish it were the case, as I have had every. single. opportunity. to receive treatment, medication, therapy, hospital stays, above all else, a wonderful family, which did not prevent me from trying to take my own life. I speak about this now because now more than ever we need to look and dissect the way we treat people who have struggles with their mental health.
I can tell you, waking up on a ventilator in ICU post suicide attempt is probably the single most terrifying experience I have had. It doesn’t make me lesser of a person and does not equate to successfulness. Successful people are not immune.
To die by suicide is a very tragic thing. To have attempted and to live to tell the tale is the greatest gift. To have friends who saved my life, to have family who stood by my side, to have recourses available to me at all times, and yet to still feel so empty, such a burden, and so incredibly overwhelmed is simple proof that the way we are treating depression (etc.) isn’t working.
I called 911 the other day, a friend notified me she had taken an overdose. I found her location, called the paramedics, and yes she is ok, but I’m here to promise you one thing:
I love you enough for you to hate me forever.
Ride The Stride 
OH heck, I guess you already had my email address. Because Americans do not talk about mental health in any concrete way, I was unaware that my mom had been taking some sort of prescription drug for depression. I think that I have suffered the same if for different reasons all my life. I finally decided to do something about it. Thursday afternoon will be the third session with a mental health professional.
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wow. such a powerful post. thank you for sharing your experience. it’s so important for us to remember that suicide can affect everyone so we don’t ignore the signs just because someone is beautiful, or successful, or rich.
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