In Suicide: Hope Beyond the Darkness, you offer hope and healing through firsthand stories of those who have tried to take their own lives and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I felt like there was a growing need for information and awareness about suicide. The more involved I was, whether studying, counselling or training people, I saw such a lack of information and so much stigma about suicide. The problem with that was that people were being negatively impacted. People stopped talking about their suicidal thoughts, which is dangerous, and people who lost loved ones to suicide were unable to talk about how they were feeling, which complicated their grief process. 

I felt I had something to offer due to my knowledge and experience. That was a big part of my motivation.

And sharing stories helps people connect. People can identify with parts or all of someone’s life experience. And when we hear other people’s stories, we don’t feel so alone. We don’t feel abnormal. It helps break down fear and isolation. It helps break down the stigma.

The stories you share are highly emotional. What was the most difficult aspect of putting this book together?

I think the most challenging aspect for me was ensuring that I truly honoured the people who shared their stories with me. I wanted to ensure the voices of those who are still here were heard and to acknowledge those who are no longer with us. I wanted to be their voice too.

What is one misconception you have found through your research that many people have regarding suicide?

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about suicide — and every one of them is harmful.

One of the most common is the belief that talking about suicide might “put the idea” in someone’s mind and increase the risk of them acting on it. Research consistently shows the opposite to be true. Talking about suicide does not cause suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Rather, it can bring relief and open the door to hope and help.

Having a compassionate conversation about suicide can reduce distress and encourage help-seeking.

In the book, I spoke with Sally, who shared that her son was severely depressed. She was terrified to raise the topic of suicide, believing that mentioning it might make things worse. Many others I spoke with shared the same fear.

In reality, people who are depressed have often already thought about suicide. Offering a safe space to talk about these thoughts can ease their burden and provide an opportunity for connection and support.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

My hope is that someone will read this book and relate to one of the stories or read some of the information, and it will help them manage wherever they are in the suicide spectrum. Whether they have suicidal thoughts or have attempted, or they are supporting someone who is suicidal, or if they are bereaved by suicide, I hope it gives people an understanding of the complexities of suicide and takes away the fear and judgment, reducing the stigma. I hope that people will see that even in our darkest moments, there is hope.

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