No matter the emotional darkness someone may find themselves in, there is a way forward. This truth is the heart of suicide prevention, and it’s why authenticity in storytelling is not just a value—it’s a necessity.
As I reflect on the incredible work of leaders like Dr. Ursula Whiteside and her team at NowMattersNow.org, I’m reminded of the transformative potential of resources built on lived experience. Their revamped website offers a lifeline to those struggling, showing that the team behind it has walked a similar path. For someone scrolling through that page, the realization that “maybe there’s hope for me after all” can be the first step toward healing.
The Weight of Truth in Suicide Prevention
Last month, the documentary Moving America’s Soul on Suicide surpassed 1 million views on YouTube—a milestone achieved by few mental health films. Its success lies in its unflinching honesty. The film walks the fine line between raising awareness and avoiding sensationalism, embracing resilience and recovery without glossing over pain.
When YouTube flagged the documentary due to concerns about referencing suicide methods, the implications were profound. While caution is necessary to avoid sensationalizing suicide, it’s equally vital to tell stories that don’t shy away from difficult truths. Working with Kana Inomoto, whose daughter Raina is featured in the film, and experts like Dr. Thomas Joyner and Dr. Chuck Browning, we made the case that these stories are about hope, not despair. Context matters. A narrative framed around recovery transforms vulnerability into strength, showing others that they, too, can find a way forward.
The Importance of Lived Experience
The essence of Moving America’s Soul on Suicide was built on lessons learned from an earlier project, The Obstacles We Face. This short film, initially intended to celebrate Chris Bartz’s achievements, took a deeper turn when Chris encouraged us to include the painful parts of his story, including his experience of sexual assault. That addition transformed the narrative into something richer and more truthful. It demonstrated that recovery isn’t about erasing pain but learning to live with it, to move through it.
This commitment to authenticity has shaped every story we’ve told since. Our Hope Inc. films, now numbering 17, celebrate the full complexity of individuals’ lives. The tagline—“The other days, the better days”—evolved to include the poignant truth: Hope doesn’t look away. Hope is not free from pain. Recovery is often messy, but it is real, and it is worth striving for.
Balancing Pain and Recovery
When creating Moving America’s Soul on Suicide, we navigated a delicate balance. Survival stories like Kevin Berthea’s, who was talked down from the Golden Gate Bridge, hinge on specific moments of crisis. Omitting these details would dilute the authenticity and impact of the narrative. At the same time, we avoided exploitative content that might overshadow the resilience and recovery at the heart of these stories.
The tension between honesty and sensationalism is a challenge we face in all our work. Society often avoids discussing suicide until tragedy strikes, perpetuating stigma and isolation. Even in professional circles, vulnerability can provoke judgment. Marsha Linehan’s 2012 disclosure of her struggles with mental health shifted perceptions within the field but also highlighted the entrenched stigma.
If we want to bridge the gap between those with lived experience and those who haven’t walked the same path, we must embrace the power of storytelling. Stories told with authenticity have the ability to uplift, connect, and heal.
Spreading Hope Through Stories
Through initiatives like the Lived Experience Library, we continue to amplify voices that foster connection and diminish stigma. Influential figures like Kevin Hines, Terry Wise, and Ali Robinson have shown that sharing personal stories can transform pain into a source of strength for others. Hope, like despair, is contagious. It spreads through the raw, unvarnished truth of human experience.
As Ali Robinson so poignantly said in Moving America’s Soul on Suicide: “I didn’t want to be told things would get better. I wish I had been told, you can do hard things.”
This is the essence of hope. It doesn’t deny pain; it acknowledges it and offers a way forward. Authenticity is the bridge that connects despair to resilience, showing people that they are not alone, and that recovery, while challenging, is always possible.
The Plain Truth
As we continue this work, we must remember: the risk is not in naming suicide methods responsibly or confronting painful realities—it’s in turning away from these truths. Hope doesn’t look away. It faces pain head-on, embraces the full spectrum of human experience, and invites others to do the same.
The stories we tell are not just narratives; they are lifelines. They remind us all that even in our darkest moments, there is a way forward. And for those of us privileged to do this work, it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility: to ensure every story, every voice, and every person is heard—and to keep spreading hope.
David Covington is the Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Behavioral Health LinkÂ
Join us on Lifelines with David and John, a 988 Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of crisis intervention and explore the inception and growth of the transformative 988 lifeline. Since its launch on July 16, 2022, 988 has become a beacon of hope and innovation in suicide and crisis prevention. David, the visionary behind the Atlanta crisis center, and Dr. John, a key figure in post-9/11 mental health disaster response, have played crucial roles in shaping the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the emergence of 988.
Lifelines with David & John: The 988 Podcast is not just a podcast; it’s a movement towards a future where every call for help is met with understanding, and every individual in crisis finds a beacon of hope.