Suicide: A Personal Experience

PMC Communications Team

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home for many of us at PMC, and for one of our team members, it is part of her reason for working in the mental health field. 

Recently, she shared her story, and with her permission, we would like to share it with you. Her vulnerability and dedication to spreading education and awareness of the warning signs and impacts are to be commended. 

Read her story below: 

In 2012, I was expecting my first child. My large, close, loving family only amplified my excitement about becoming a mother. I felt particularly grateful that my grandparents were still alive to meet their great-grandchildren. I never expected that one phone call would change all of that. I had just spoken to my grandfather a week earlier, ending our call with him telling me he would see me soon. 

However, a week later, he died by suicide, leaving my family and me with questions we couldn’t answer and indescribable grief. The aftermath of losing my grandfather was like trying to assemble a puzzle without having all the pieces. No explanation would fill the gaping hole left behind by his absence from our family. As I struggled to come to terms with my new reality, I found myself researching and trying to learn as much as possible about mental health and suicide. 

Before losing my grandfather, I had no idea older adults were at a higher risk for suicide. I wasn’t aware that age-related health issues such as loneliness and loss of independence were risk factors. My newfound knowledge wouldn’t bring back my grandfather, but it did encourage me to educate others on suicide’s warning signs and risk factors. 

My young cousin was a victim of suicide a year after my grandfather died. It was another shock to my system. Leaving me with yet another puzzle, I could not finish and a roller coaster of unmanageable emotions. Losing two people I loved to suicide changed me. It changed who I am as a person, how I look at life, and especially how I look at mental health. 

Shortly after losing my cousin, I began working at PMC. My work has played a huge role in my healing journey. This is not just a job for me; it is an opportunity to continue my loved ones’ legacies in my daily work. It teaches me the risk factors for suicide and how I can help break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. Through this work, I continue to heal. Suicide happens in silence. Suicide happens when we avoid uncomfortable conversations. Suicide occurs when we let mental health stigmas prevent us from reaching out for help. Suicide is preventable, but not without education, awareness, and the courage to bring change.

We know many across the globe can relate to Sydney’s story. 

To them, we would like to say we see you and are not alone. To those who may be struggling, please know there is help. I encourage you to reach out for the help you need and deserve. To those who are worried about a loved one, please speak up. Have hard conversations, break the silence, and encourage them to seek help. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. 

If you are in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help:

• Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.
• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

About PMC   

Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) works to improve access to behavioral healthcare in communities like yours. Our founder and Chief Medical Officer, James A. Greene, M.D., developed PMC with the sole mission of improving the function and quality of life for patients living in underserved communities. If you would like to learn more about Psychiatric Medical Care, or if you are interested in joining our team, please email us at careers@psychmc.com, call or explore our numerous opportunities online.