“Only but for the Grace of God go I. I am so grateful to be alive!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!”
I have said this prayer thousands of times in my life.
I don’t know how I survived my suicide attempt in August 1993. I just thank God every day that I did.
I know what it is like to live in the dark, with the pain, with the voices in my head, with the thoughts that seem so crazy I didn’t dare tell anyone or talk to anyone about them. Thankfully things are better today than they were in 1994.
THERE IS HELP RIGHT NOW!
If you are hurting now, like I was hurting back then when I got the idea to do this crazy adventure, there is help in so many ways, so many forms, and there are so many people who are here RIGHT NOW TO HELP YOU!
If you are feeling overwhelmed and want to speak with someone, I encourage you to do it RIGHT NOW! Call or Text a Friend; Call or Text a Family Member; or Call or Text 988!
I know how hard it can be, and I can also promise you it will get better once you start talking about what is going on. You can use one of these phrases to start a conversation:
• “When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support.”
• “This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts, and it might help to talk. Are you free?”
• “I’m struggling right now and just need to talk to someone – can we chat?”
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this story goes to support McKenna’s foundation.