Holding On to Hope, My Heartfelt Message on Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a word that many fear, yet it echoes silently through the hearts of those who feel trapped in darkness. It’s a subject that society often avoids, even though it ranks among the leading causes of death worldwide. This blog is for those who are thinking about suicide, for the loved ones who have lost someone to it, and for the brave Veterans of the United States Military. It's for the survivors left behind, haunted by questions and guilt. Most of all, it’s for you—because your life matters, and there is hope, even when the night seems darkest.

To Those Who Are Struggling

If you are reading this and feeling like there is no way out, I want you to know that I have been where you are. I understand what it feels like to be consumed by despair. For seven long years, I struggled with suicidal and homicidal thoughts after a pastor I trusted molested two of my children. The pain, the betrayal, the overwhelming sense of helplessness—they were demons that kept me awake at night, whispering lies that I was alone, that no one would understand, that there was no escape.

But I am here today to tell you that those demons are liars. You are not alone. There is a way out, and it leads to a place of healing and light. It’s not an easy path, but it is a path worth walking. Hold on, even if it’s just by a thread, because brighter days are coming.

Reach out, even if it feels impossible—someone out there cares about you, someone is willing to listen. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is one of those places where you can find support, and their number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). They are available 24/7 to help you through this storm. 

 The reality of Suicide: Men vs. Women, Adults vs. Children

Suicide does not discriminate. It affects men and women, adults and children alike. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, yet women are more likely to attempt suicide. Among children and adolescents, suicide is the second leading cause of death, a staggering reality that should shake us all to our core. As a parent, you can approach suicide prevention in the same way you do other safety or health issues for your children. By educating yourself, you can learn what puts kids at greatest risk for suicide – and what protects them most strongly. (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2024) The pressures of growing up, the pain of bullying, the isolation many feel in this digital age—these are all contributing factors that make our children vulnerable.

For Veterans, the statistics are even more heartbreaking. The DoD and VA recognize that standard clinical interventions, while helpful on an individual level, are not enough to address these problems (Psychologist Matthew A. Miller, PhD, MPH, 2022) According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate among Veterans is significantly higher than that of the general population. These men and women who have served our country deserve better, and we must do more to support them as they navigate life after service. 

The Impact on the Community

When someone takes their own life, the ripple effect is profound. Families are shattered, friends are left with unanswerable questions, and entire communities are left to grapple with the loss. Suicide doesn't just take one life; it impacts everyone connected to that person. Survivor’s guilt is a heavy burden for those left behind, often leading to their own mental health struggles. The Fayette Factor, a community organization in Fayetteville, Georgia, emphasizes the importance of community support in suicide prevention. They highlight that when we come together as a community, we can create a safety net that catches those who are falling.

Survivors Guilt and the Unspoken Pain

Survivor’s guilt is real and can be incredibly difficult to process. If you’ve lost someone to suicide, you might be plagued by thoughts of “What if?” or “Why didn’t I see the signs?” It’s important to know that it’s not your fault. Mental illness is complex, and sometimes the signs are not as visible as we’d like to believe. The pain of losing someone to suicide is deep, but healing is possible. It starts with forgiving yourself, seeking support, and remembering that your loved one’s pain does not define their entire life. Their life mattered, and so does yours.

Why We Need to Talk About Suicide More

Despite its prevalence, suicide remains a topic shrouded in silence. Many people fear the stigma associated with mental illness, leading them to suffer in silence. But we need to talk about it because talking saves lives. Education, awareness, and open conversations can break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. NAMI states that one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is to create an environment where people feel safe to speak about their struggles. Many people find peer support a helpful tool that can aid in their recovery. There are a variety of organizations that offer support groups for consumers, their family members and friends. Some support groups are peer-led, while others may be led by a mental health professional. Find Support Groups Near You.

My Journey: From Darkness to Light

My journey has been a difficult one, filled with moments of despair that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I also know the beauty of coming out on the other side. Today, I dedicate my life to helping others who are losing hope. Through Rooted Vines, I aim to provide not just a product, but a lifeline—a reminder that life can be beautiful again, that healing is possible, and that you are never truly alone. I've captured my journey in a book titled Confronting Reflections, where I share how I discovered a new path forward.

Resources and Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and the Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by dialing 988, then pressing 1. For those in the Fayetteville, GA area, the Fayette Factor offers resources and support for mental health and suicide prevention. You don’t have to walk this path alone—help is available, and brighter days are ahead.

Final Thoughts

Suicide prevention is not just about saving lives; it’s about reminding people that their lives are worth living. It’s about creating a world where no one has to feel alone in their darkest moments. I hope this blog reaches those who need it most, and I hope it encourages you to hold on, reach out, and find the light that’s waiting for you.