Daniel Gomez reveals how his suicide attempt at the age of 18 has changed his life forever. Gomez was near graduation from high school and found himself in a state of loneliness. As he was sitting in his car feeling full of despair, he attempted suicide. Twenty-seven years later, Gomez still has a scar that acts as a constant reminder of his ordeal.
For years he’s kept this part of his life a secret, but in trusting a feeling that it was time to share his story, he opened up and realized that his pain could be used for good.
When asked, “What compelled you to share your story now?”
Gomez’s reply, “I was recently invited to speak at a San Antonio, High School where I saw a young lady in distress that had that same kind of look in her eyes. So, I felt compelled to start talking about going from attempting suicide to becoming a national motivational speaker. Shortly after my presentation, this girl ran onto the stage crying and hugging me saying, ‘You just saved my life!’”
Chesser asked, “Do you remember the day that this suicide attempt happened and what was going through your mind?”
Gomez said, “Absolutely … I remember it as if it was yesterday. I was having dinner with a female friend, and later that evening we decided to stop seeing each other. A feeling of loneliness came upon me and brought back memories of having lost my mother at the young age of ten. Those memories from childhood never leave you.”
Chesser continued by asking, “Why now after all these years have you decided to step forward and talk about this subject and what do you hope to accomplish from this radio interview?”
Gomez replied, “It’s time for people to know they are valued. God did not put them here by accident. As a National Speaker, I have the responsibility to add value to my audience and deliver content of meaning and purpose. If I can remind people their life matters and save someone’s life, then I fulfilled my purpose.”
“Now looking back, has this made you a better person and speaker?” asked Chesser.
Gomez replied, “It has definitely made me a better speaker. This experience has shown me to connect with my audience and speak from the heart truly. Our words have the power to change people’s lives.”
“What would you say to someone who is constipating suicide right now?” asked Chesser.
Gomez Replied, “That they matter! They are not reading this press release or listening to this radio show by accident. God loves you and has a purpose for your life. I encourage you to reach out to someone now for help and assistance!”
During this interview, Gomez mentioned his friend Jenny Landon, an authority on this subject matter.
Jenny Landon, founder of Growing Out Of Darkness (GOOD) and author of Growing Through Grief, is on a mission to inspire hope, wellness and gratitude even during a crisis. Jenny is known for saying, “No one chooses to struggle, but we must all choose to fight for a life worth living.”
Immediately after the interview, Chesser contacted Landon by phone to get her advice, here is what she said.
When asked, “What can people do if they or someone they know is struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts.
Landon replied, “We have to get comfortable speaking about our mental health struggles in a constructive and healthy manner.”
Below are some ways Jenny suggests we can fight for a life worth living.
1. Ask for help. Talk to your friends, family members, coworkers, etc.
2. Seek professional care through western and eastern modalities. To learn more visit www.growingoutofdarkness.org/authentic-healing.
3. Be aware of the foods your eating, the physical activities you’re participating in, the people you’re spending time with, the music you listen to, the books you’re reading, and the shows you’re watching.
4. Learn about mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Landon points out:
1. Healthy people do not die by suicide.
2. Suicide is not the result of a bad choice, selfish act, nor a regrettable mistake.
3. Suicide is the result of physical and emotional imbalances in the body which prevent individuals from making rational decisions while also disrupting their primal instinct to survive.
4. One bad experience does not result in suicide.
5. All suicides involve a combination of the following three factors, isolation, extreme distress, and loss of hope.
If you are concerned that someone you love is suicidal, contact your local crisis line for resources or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255. They provide access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To learn more about Jenny Landon and the GOOD work she’s doing, visit www.growingoutofdarkness.org or call 612-401-4823.
To learn more about Daniel Gomez go to https://danielgomezspeaker.com/
or call him at 210-663-5954
To listen to the full radio interview go to https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/going-from-attempting-suicide-to-becoming-a-national-speaker-from-tragedy-to-triumph-the-daniel-gomez-story/