As we continue our MinorityMental Health Awareness Series, I am so excited to welcome Na’Kole Watson, The Life Protector.
Na’Kole Watson is a thirty-five-year-old trailblazer who hails from the small town of Kenly, North Carolina. As a survivor of over twenty-two suicide attempts (she stopped counting after the twenty-second), she is extremely familiar with the effects that suicidal ideation, bullying and abuse can have on an individual. Because of the things she endured, she began to position herself as a resource and a place of safety for those who have endured (or are currently enduring) similar situations and circumstances. These organic outreach methods have transformed into the Na’Kole Watson brand, as well as #NotOnMyWatch™, a nonprofit suicide prevention and anti-bullying organization.
Na’Kole is an accomplished author who published her first book, “I Speak Life: A 30-Day Journey from Suicidal Ideation to Victorious Living” in early 2016. She has since written a series of motivational books for teen girls called “Good Morning, Young Butterfly!” that has a total of six books, and three more that will be released in November of 2019.
A prolific speaker, Na’Kole travels far and near speaking about her testimony as well as equipping and empowering people of all ages to overcome adversity in their lives. She speaks in a candid and impactful manner about a lot of things that are often swept under the rug. Her speaking platform includes schools, businesses, childcare centers, conferences, church events and concerts. Na’Kole also conducts empowerment seminars designed to teach participants about how to identify and properly handle suicidal ideation and bullying.
Na’Kole has the following certifications: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), SafeTALK, More than Sad (facilitator certification), Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Mental Health First Aid for Youth.
Na’Kole works hard to make a difference in the lives of all she meets. She is very active in several community organizations, and she desires to change the narrative as it relates to suicidal ideation so that people know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that there is hope and help for any situation.
To date, Na’Kole has talked almost hundreds of people out of suicide. Her life experience coupled with her unique gifting and purpose have allowed her to achieve this monumental success.
Listen in as Na’Kole shares with us her incredible journey & passion for driving awareness and education for suicide prevention.
