There is no easy way to say this...this episode was emotionally brutal for both of us. We had initially wanted to discuss how events of the past year have pushed us both personally and professionally and how we have been coping with so much change. That came to a screeching halt as we quickly found ourselves in the crosshairs of events from nearly two decades ago that had once halted life as we knew it.
Today we are talking about my heroin addiction and attempted suicide for the first time together and the fatal heroin overdose that took Andy, Gina's brother from us. This is us, in some of our darkest hours and our rise from the ashes. Our sights over the past 20 years have been set in not succumbing to tragedy, but letting it guide us to a higher purpose. These moments continue to shape our identity, our relationships with each other, self, loved ones and friends. Lessons learned through our pains and losses, brings a message of hope, has brought us together in unimaginable ways to remind you, you are not alone.
Like the legend of the Phoenix, all ends with beginnings, this is one of our beginnings, as raw as it gets.
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If you or someone you know is suicidal, call one of the numbers below. If someone in IMMEDIATE danger, please call your local emergency number e.g. 911 in the US.
RESOURCES:
National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-8255 English & En Español
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
CHAT WITH LIFELINE https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
READ STORIES OF HOPE https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/stories/
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF CRISIS INTERVENTION HOTLINES
https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
HEALTHY COPING SKILLS Visit https://www.verywellmind.com/forty-healthy-coping-skills-4586742
Please follow Amy Morin Editor & Chief at Verywell Mind on LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymorinlcsw/
Her podcast is available on all platforms "The Verywell Mind Podcast with Amy Morin" where she shares actionable advice for developing the mental strength you need to reach your greatest potential.
