Life After A Suicide Attempt | Sharing Lived Experiences

Real Men Feel

Before we get going, I want to warn everyone that we will discuss suicide attempts today. If you are in crisis right now - please get help.

Text or call 988 in the US. Help is available 24 hours a day. For other countries, visit https://findahelpline.com/ for options near you.

The goal of this episode is that our shared experiences as suicide attempt survivors offers hope and encouragement to others, to you. We also want to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.

The World Health Organization estimates that 800,000 people die by suicide each year. That number is undoubtedly underreported.

In 2020, it is estimated that 1.2 million people attempted to end their life, and what isn't talked about enough is that millions of people go on to live full, healthy lives after attempts.

My guest today is Herbie Mack. Herbie was born and raised in the South Bronx of New York, where he saw drug abuse and gang violence and experienced family trauma that caused him depression as a child, teenager, and adult. This led Herbie to become a functional alcoholic for over 11 years due to his inability to express his emotions effectively.

Herbie was unaware of the signs of suicide ideation, which led to him attempting suicide multiple times. After his last attempt and years of healing, he decided not to keep his suicide attempts to himself.

Topics and Questions

• 2:26 - Why multiple attempts?
• 3:20 - What were you trying to end?
• 4:00 - How do you define a suicide attempt?
• 5:28 - Herbie's story.
• 10:43 - Andy's experience.
• 13:38 - Forgiveness was the hardest thing.
• 16:45 - A cry for help.
• 19:52 - Did you need to experience multiple attempts?
• 22:03 - How long has it been since your last attempt?
• 22:17 - Do the thoughts return for you?
• 23:30 - How do you keep hope and healing after your attempt?
• 25:06 - What's the best part of being alive?
• 26:10 - Any advice for someone who has made an attempt and is alone?
• 27:40 - Any tips for someone who has found a loved one who made a suicide attempt?
• 28:40 - Andy's seven tips following an attempt.
• 30:42 - The weakest thing.
• 35:36 - Tell me about your podcast.
• 37:22 - Herbie asks Andy how his road to recovery was.
• 43:43 - What's the best way for people to learn more and connect with you?

Links

Herbie Mack -- https://herbiemack.com/
Recommended Books: 200 Powerful Positive Affirmations Vol1, Volume 2, and Still Here: How To Succeed in Life After Failing at Suicide.

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit theandygrant.com/talk
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @andyfgrant
Personal Website | theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Podcast Website | re --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/realmenfeel/support