Giving Voice to Depression Surviving a Suicide Attempt: A Depression Recovery Story of Hope and Healing
In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bob shares his deeply personal story of surviving a suicide attempt and finding hope through therapy, connection, and support. At 64, he feels stronger than ever — but just five years earlier, depression convinced him he wasn’t enough.
Through his candid story, Bob reveals how quickly suicidal thoughts can escalate, how a compassionate nurse changed the trajectory of his recovery, and how therapy and routines helped him reclaim his life. His message offers encouragement, validation, and hope to anyone living with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Whether you are struggling yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode is a reminder that depression lies, recovery is possible, and connection saves lives.
Primary Topics Covered:
- How depression fuels lies of worthlessness and being a burden
- The sudden onset of suicidal thoughts (sometimes within 15 minutes)
- The role of compassion and human connection in saving lives
- The importance of therapy (CBT, DBT, and talk therapy) in recovery
- Building resilience with routines and values-based living
- Post-hospitalization risks and why awareness is critical
- Finding hope, healing, and renewed purpose after a suicide attempt
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Suicide Prevention Month
01:36 - Mental Health America data on depression and suicidality
02:20 - Meet Bob: his background and suicide attempt survival
03:45 - Why Bob chose to share his story now
04:04 - Depression, chronic pain, and the spiral of hopelessness
05:37 - Believing the lie of being a burden
06:58 - The sudden decision: 15 minutes from thought to attempt
07:12 - Waking up in the hospital after his attempt
08:00 - The compassion of a nurse who changed Bob’s perspective
09:57 - Realizing self-worth beyond success or achievement
11:43 - Shifting focus: prioritizing mental health and therapy
12:29 - The challenge of telling family about his attempt
13:58 - Therapy journey: CBT, DBT, and healing through talk therapy
15:31 - Living by values instead of external validation
16:01 - Catching dark thoughts early and reaching out for help
16:53 - The power of routines, structure, and self-care
17:29 - Caring for mind, body, and spirit in recovery
17:51 - Trauma reminders and the will to never return to that place
18:22 - Finding joy and authenticity at 64
19:29 - Reflections on survival, gratitude, and purpose
20:38 - The importance of awareness: suicide can escalate in minutes
21:56 - How one person can change a life — the power of support
22:53 - Building a safety net of community and connection
23:36 - Closing reflections on resilience, warning signs, and hope
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