Attempt Survivors Tell Their Stories
“The most beautiful rocks are those that have weathered the storm” — unknown
As a suicide survivor you have travelled a traumatic and stressful road. The pain and loneliness you must have felt leading up to and following your suicide attempt, will have been extremely debilitating.
Right now, your emotions and feelings are probably running all over the place. You may be feeling very sad and lonely, scared about the future or even guilty and embarrassed. At the other end of the spectrum you may feel relieved, grateful and happy that you are still alive.
No matter how sad your journey has been to-date, it is awesome that you are still here. While you may have been thinking that suicide is the only way to end your pain, it is not. Yes, suicide is always an option, but there are also many other options for you to consider.
Stories of Hope
You have endured one of the most traumatic and scary experiences any one can go through. It will take time for you to get over it. Fortunately, there is also good news; most people who survive a suicide attempt go on to live very happy and fulfilling lives.
Sharing in the lived experiences of some of the brave suicide survivors now living happy, fulfilling lives, will hopefully give you encouragement for your future and help you on your road to recovery.
Featured below are stories showing what some suicide survivors are doing as they chase their new-found dreams for a happier and contented life. I have also included videos debunking myths around suicide.
A caution. You may find some of the views expressed in these stories disturbing. If you feel you need help, please contact a crisis support service such as Lifeline or Beyond Blue or if the situation is serious dial Emergency 000 or go to Emergency at your nearest hospital.
Video Stories
Myths About Suicide
There are many myths and misconceptions about people who attempt suicide. The following videos shed light on these myths and debunk commonly held, but incorrect views surrounding suicide attempt survivors.
Suicide Attempt Survivors Bust Myths About Suicide | Truth or Myth
In this 10-minute video hosted by SoulPancake suicide attempt survivors were asked to react to eight assumptions about suicide. Their views on issues like mental health struggles, suicide as a cry for help and survivor happiness makes for interesting viewing.
Do All Suicide Survivors Think the Same?
In this 13-minute video hosted by Jubilee 6 strangers who attempted suicide were invited to have a conversation about suicide and mental health. Set in an indoor hall the participant’s use the novel approach of moving to different lines painted on the floor, to reflect their views on each question.
Stories of Hope by Suicide Attempt Survivors in Australia and New Zealand
Father Finds Happiness After Suicide Attempt
In this 8:46 minute video produced by Barcroft TV, Pat Lawson tells that growing up with depression wasn’t something he so much tried to hide as something he wasn’t even fully aware of. It wasn’t until he attempted suicide at age 30, that Pat sought the medical help he’d needed for so long - and finally shared with others the depression he had been battling alone all his life.
From Suicidal to Hopeful: How I Learnt to Fight
Jazz Thornton first attempted suicide at the age of 12. In this 9-minute video recorded on the TedX Auckland stage, Jazz talks about her fight with suicidal tendencies and how she has turned her life around. Jazz now dedicates her life to speaking about hope and creating change in the area of mental health through her organisation Voices of Hope
Roses Radio With Elissa
Elissa survived a suicide attempt at age 15. In this 1:34 minute video hosted by Roses in the Ocean Elissa shares some of the valuable insights she has gained from her lived experience.
Stories of Hope by Suicide Attempt Survivors in America
Surviving a Jump Off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
After suffering from depression, delusions, and paranoia, 19-year-old Kevin Hines tried to take his life by jumping of the Golden Gate Bridge. He survived. In this 13-minute video recorded at the American Psychological Association convention, Kevin talks about his recovery and how he is enjoying a fulfilling life as an activist promoting suicide prevention.
Stories of Hope and Recovery: David Lilley
David Lilley survived a suicide attempt at age 45. He is now in his 60’s. In this 10:53 minute video by the Suicide Prevention Helpline David tells a moving story of hope and fulfillment. “I nearly missed out on a lot of my childrens’ lives. It’s been a real blessing to watch them grow into adults and be blessed with a grandchild”
Minor League Baseball Player Drew Robinson Determined to Live After His Suicide Attempt
In this 3:32 minute video from KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas Drew talks about his mental health struggles and suicide attempt, as well as the tremendous progress of his comeback.
Photo Stories
[Please click each Photo to read the full story]
Dese’ Rae Stage
Scott Palasik
Cheryl Sharp
Carlton Davis
Megan Rotatori
Dese’ Rae Stage is an American suicide attempt survivor. An artist, mom, suicidologist and advocate/activist for suicide prevention. Dese’ Rae has created a multimedia storytelling series to reduce prejudice and discrimination against suicide attempt survivors.
Dese’ Rae reminds us that suicide is a human issue. She does this by putting names and faces to statistics that have been the only representation of attempt survivors in the past. She also amplifies survivors’ voices by allowing them to tell their own raw, honest stories of survival.
You can see the inspiring storytelling series at Live Through This or watch the introductory video