Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.

If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally. Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.

Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).

"Suicide is not about someone trying to end their life, suicide is someone trying to end their pain."

Adam Sud attempted suicide on August 21, 2012. He was 30 years old and he felt like his life was so difficult, he was so broken, so miserable, his suffering seemed so hopeless that he took a handful of pills and swallowed as many as he could. As his heart rate went up and down, he thought that was the last moment of his life, and he felt completely terrified.

When he woke up later, he had an unbelievable feeling of relief. He was glad he was still alive.

That was when he finally set forth a path to change. It started with a call to his family; a family he had effectively shut out and treated horribly, but who didn't hesitate to help.

Adam's story is powerful. His path today is a testament to the fact that we can change our lives even when they seem so hopeless and alone.

Notables:

Eating transformation: from piles of fast food every day to fully converted plant-based eater. Adam credits vegan eating for helping reverse many of the health problems he faced
Drug abuse: Starting with Adderall use in high school to treat ADHD, Adam spiraled to criminal drug behaviors over the course of a decade.
Family: Adam's story is a testament to the power of family. Adam blamed his dad (parents) for many of his problems. He admittedly treated them horribly, but they never stopped loving him and trying to help.
Rip Esselstyn's PlantStrong program: Adam shares the story of attending one of Rip's eating retreats at Whole Foods, and even though he didn't convert at that time, the experience was the foundation for a life metamorphosis.
Food as transformational "medicine:" When Adam entered a sober living facility, he got some great advice from his dad who said that he didn't know about the mental health diagnoses he had received, but he did know that some of the physical health diagnoses could be reversed. He told Adam to remember what he learned at Rip's retreat.
Make your new life habits as easy as possible to achieve: Adam created daily rituals that he could easily uphold to take away the guesswork and temptation.
And so much more.

You can find Adam Sud at @plantbasedaddict and check out his nonprofit @plantbasedforpositivechange - he is doing amazing things to help people!

Medical Advisory:

The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.

Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.

Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io