The holidays can be an exciting and joyous time for people who look forward to them, but for some, the holidays can bring on bouts of depression and sadness.
While the CDC reports suicides do not increase during the holidays and are most prevalent during warmer months, we know that depression can be a major factor when it comes to someone taking their own life.
At KPRC 2, we want anyone out there dealing with suicidal thoughts to know you are not alone and that there is help.
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KPRC 2′s Deven Clarke spoke to families who are devastated but also inspired to use their pain in the hopes of helping others. They also are making a desperate plea to anyone considering taking their own life to please think about the loved ones you’re leaving behind.
“It ravaged our family in 2017,” said Mandi Brown who lost her husband of 15 years and the father of their four children to suicide.
“In 2018 I just wanted to figure out how to show my children that this doesn’t have to keep happening,” Brown said.
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Brown created an organization called The Loved Ones Left Behind which provides support to suicide survivors and family members, encouraging them to be proactive when it comes to making sure their loved ones and neighbors are OK.
“Even if it’s not a statistic that suicide increases over the holidays, it is a time to pay attention to those that are alone and don’t have family, that may be withdrawing that may be changing their attitude towards the holidays,” she said.
On Dec. 1, Kevin Hernandez lost his 17-year-old brother. He died by suicide just days after putting up their Christmas tree.
“We’re heartbroken, we’re devastated,” Hernandez said. “He was just like ‘Man, I feel like I’m not doing nothing with my life, like I have nothing to contribute,’”
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Like Brown, Hernandez now feels empowered to let others struggling with suicidal thoughts know there is always hope, and always help.
“You’re not alone, because life, life is all an experience and sometimes our lowest points, when our head is thinking so much, that makes you stronger,” he said.
“Suicide has so many different faces. There’s addiction, there’s depression and we want to help in any way possible,” Brown said.
The suicide prevention hotline is 988.
If you are considering harming yourself or you’ve lost a loved one you can also reach out to The Loved Ones Left Behind here.