Joanna Bresson is the Director of Operations at Socialistics. She is also the Social Media Ambassador for the North Texas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Four years ago, I lost my father to suicide, an experience that shattered my world and changed the course of my life. That dreaded phone call with the news of my dad’s death is deeply etched in my memory. The shock, the disbelief, the overwhelming grief – the emotions hit me like a tidal wave. In that one moment, I didn’t just lose my dad—I lost my sense of reality, my understanding of the world, and a piece of myself that I am still grappling to reclaim.
September is Suicide Awareness Month, but for those of us left in the wake of suicide, every month, every day, every moment is a reminder of what we’ve lost. For me, the pain is a near-constant companion, sometimes a dull ache, other times an intense sorrow.
I remember sitting at his funeral, lost in a sea of questions. Why didn’t I see the signs? Could I have saved him? What should I have done differently? How do I live in a world that he chose to leave? How am I going to survive this?
But here’s my understanding of surviving suicide loss: you don’t move on; you move through. You carry the weight of the loss with you. You find a strength you didn’t know you were capable of.
Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses has also been instrumental in my healing. While the pain of losing someone to suicide is unique, I am not alone in navigating it.
Recently, I joined the North Texas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as its Social Media Ambassador. This role allows me to use my experience in digital marketing to contribute to a cause that’s deeply personal to me.
Through AFSP, I’ve learned about the vital work being done in suicide prevention, from funding scientific research to providing resources for those affected by suicide. I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health and suicide, which has helped me process my own experience.
As part of my commitment to this cause, I’m participating in AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walk on November 2nd. This event not only raises crucial funds for suicide prevention efforts but also provides a space for community, remembrance, and hope. If you’re interested in supporting this cause, I would be incredibly grateful for any contributions to my fundraising efforts. You can donate here.
To anyone reading this who’s been touched by suicide: I see you. I feel your pain. You are not alone in this. And to those grappling with thoughts of suicide, your life matters. The world is better with you in it. Reach out—there’s help, hope, and a future worth fighting for.
The strongest among us are not those who never struggle but those who have the courage to ask for help when they need it.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
