Social Media And Suicide

We hear so much about the downside of social media and suicide. Still, a recent study confirms that lived experience sharing stories of hope and recovery can contribute to suicide prevention. 

“Suicide-preventive effect seems to occur particularly when the story is presented in a personal narrative of an individual with lived experience of suicidal ideation.”

I’ve shared my story along these lines, both online and in person.

In the summer of 2005, there was Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Myspace was two years old. Social media sharing of our experience, strength, and hope was in its infancy while stigma abounded.

My Myspace account (yeah, I’m that old) presented a fun-loving journey through Dallas Mavericks games, party nights, and the life of a successful lawyer.  The reality was anything but. I had a life of privilege, but inside, I was dead. No joy, no smiles, cocaine, drink at night, and Xanax to zombie me through the day. 

The pain had to stop. I could only think of one way. It was close. At the urging of a concerned friend, my two brothers showed up at my home. There was a Spanish .45 automatic on my nightstand, along with cocaine and Xanax pills. 

They dragged me, kicking and screaming,  to a psychiatric facility. I wouldn’t be ready for vulnerability and the release of shame for another year and a half, but by not minding their own business, my life was saved, and here I am. 

I share this story often because it offers hope for a new beginning and recovery. I don’t tell anyone what their path into the light should be, but I hope that those who listen find something they can grab onto or that those close to someone struggling understand that it’s OK to ask someone if they are suicidal without fear of triggering the act. This is especially important in today’s social media world, where people often bear their pain online. 

One particular share stands out. I spoke at a conference at Disney World. Afterward, a woman handed me a note, said, “God bless you,” and walked away. 

Moral of the story. If you’re ready to share, people will listen and care — your lived experience matters. You matter. 

Brian Cuban is an attorney, author, and advocate for mental health awareness and recovery.   He has spoken at law firms, conferences, non-profit events, colleges, and universities across the United States and Canada. He also writes extensively on these subjects. His books, columns, and quotes have appeared on CNN.com, Foxnews.com, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and online and print newspapers worldwide.

He is also the author of the best-selling book The Addicted Lawyer, Tales of The Bar, Booze Blow & Redemption. His debut novel, The Ambulance Chaser, was released as the #1-selling debut paperback thriller. His follow-up crime thriller, The Body Brokers is now available wherever books are sold and at www.briancuban.com.

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