Shannon Parkin survived 7 suicide attempts. She shares her story of hope and healing to help others.
Parkin’s depression is now in full remission. “This picture of me and my daughter at her college graduation shows the joy I embrace now,” she said.
Shannon Heath Parkin wants you to know that recovery from depression is possible. She knows from experience.
For much of her life, Parkin had severe depression. In 2015, she attempted suicide for the seventh time.
She spent 6 months in the hospital. The treatment she received from Kaiser Permanente — and her strong support system — helped her heal.
But this was just the beginning of her recovery journey. Since then, she’s learned to celebrate life.
She became a certified peer recovery specialist who leads mental health support groups. She also shares her story publicly to help others.
“Shannon’s story shows that there is always hope to heal with treatment and support,” said Don Mordecai, MD, national mental health leader at Kaiser Permanente.
Parkin answered questions about her experience and what it means to be a mental health advocate.
For the first 50 years of my life, I never knew anyone could get over suicidal thoughts or recover after a suicide attempt.
My main goal is to share my story and encourage others to share theirs. We learn from each other. Resilience is built through community.
Each person’s recovery is unique. Talking with people has helped me a lot. Through the power of peer-supported recovery, hope grows.
The support I’ve received from my peers, friends, family, and faith community has been essential.
After my disabling suicide attempt, I spent 6 months in the hospital where doctors found the right combination of antidepressants for me.
Once I left the hospital, I began electroconvulsive therapy, which lasted about 18 months. It was through this therapy that I began to see the joys of life again.
I first learned about a gratitude journal in 2016 through the National Alliance on Mental Illness, but I didn’t start keeping one until the beginning of the pandemic.
Since March 2020, it has become a daily practice for me. I haven’t missed a day since then. Keeping this journal has been as important as taking my medication.
I want people to know that recovery is possible. In July 2018, my psychiatrist, for the first time, wrote in the line for my diagnosis: “Depression in full remission.”
After 40 years of major depressive disorder and 7 suicide attempts, a rainbow lit up my sky. And my depression has been in full remission ever since.
Many people with suicidal thoughts feel that dying by suicide is the only way to end their pain. But there are so many other options available — not just to erase pain but to fully embrace joy.
I still live with mental health conditions. But through medication, peer support, and surrounding myself with people who care about me, I’ve learned many coping strategies that help me every day.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, get help right away.
Signs to look out for
Older adults tend to have higher rates of suicide. They’re specifically affected by declines in physical and mental functioning and other factors often associated with getting older — such as bereavement, loneliness, and a lack of social connection.
Learn more about the warning signs of suicide.
Suicide Hotline
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A chat option also is available at 988lifeline.org. You’ll be connected directly to a crisis-trained counselor. Support is available 24/7. It’s free and confidential.
Mental health emergency
If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency medical services for a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
How to get the mental health help you need
Kaiser Permanente members can get connected to care at kp.org/mentalhealth.
Additional help and resources are available.
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