363: The Shadows of Suicide

08.10.2021 - By Merkel Media Play

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Episode 363: The Shadows Of Suicide might be one of the most important episodes I will ever put out as a podcaster. Veteran suicide is something that plagues our soldiers, and Episode 363’s guest Jake is a testament to that. Jake was a soldier who was injured in the line of duty. Once he returned home, he couldn’t find any work because no one wanted to hire him with his disability. Jake entered a dark hole of depression, but in the moment of him holding a gun, ready to take his life, something happened that would pull him through the darkest moment of his life.

I recorded this interview with Jake a few weeks ago, and after we were done I told him that I felt like this conversation needed to be released ASAP because I thought it could help a lot of people persevere through suicidal thoughts. My month of August episodes had already been planned, so I added this interview to be released today. Last week, I got a direct message on Instagram from an ex-wife of a listener named Greg. He and I connected a few months back about interviewing to share his experiences, and we scheduled him for December 24th, 2021. But, sadly, Greg’s ex-wife informed me that Greg had taken his life the week before last. Greg lost his battle with the darkness that plagued him, and I am left wondering if I would have released the interview sooner, would it have made a difference in Greg’s life?

Please, I truly beg you, if you are fighting thoughts of suicide, seek out the help you need. Today does not need to be the final chapter of your life’s book. Time moves forward and so can you! With every day that goes by, you are one day closer to finding that hope that you have been searching for that could give your life the meaning every person needs. If you woke up today and suicide was something on the table of consideration for you, I am here to tell you that today is not your day. It’s not your predetermined fate, it’s not your destiny. Hope and meaning can be right around the corner for you if you just hold out. Let that be your hope if you have no other. Find hope in finding the hope to carry on. We love you here at The Confessionals. Lindsay, myself, and all the listeners. Don’t do it. - Tony

TRIBUTE INSTAGRAM POST FOR GREG: https://bit.ly/3xKUup3