About The Book
Kay Whiting-Harrison shares her personal journey through life’s twists and turns, including major triumphs and tragedies, while secretly struggling with a mental illness.
The story begins with her early experiences and how some innocuous childhood bullying had a subtle yet distinct impact on her. She gets married and has a family. She deals with a severe and terminal disability with one child and a life-threatening illness with another. She copes with financial pressures and other life challenges as she tries harder and harder to keep it together on the outside while falling apart on the inside.
Eventually, unbearable pressure related to a work situation tips her over the breaking point and she attempts to take her own life. As a perfectionist, she didn’t plan to survive, and much to her chagrin she did thanks to her husband’s miraculous intervention.
Kay shares her path to recovery, beginning in the psych unit after the attempt. With the support of their family, Kay and Lex make some drastic changes to protect her recovery and her mental health. And on this journey, much to their surprise, they soon become outspoken mental health advocates, openly sharing their story about her mental illness and suicide attempt.
Her husband, Lex, shares his perspective as a family member who tried his best to support his wife’s struggles with depression and anxiety. He also did his best to protect her secret for fear of how others might judge her or treat her - shedding some light on how stigma and discrimination play a role in seeking help and treatment. Despite his heroic efforts, he was still at a loss as to how to truly help his wife. Everything changed on that fateful day he miraculously found her lifeless body, administered CPR and called 911.
The story is told from the perspective of Kay and Lex in a raw, real and vulnerable way that holds your attention, captivates your heart and inspires hope. They have spoken to large audiences about their experiences, sharing their story publicly and helping countless others open up about their own or a loved one’s struggle with mental illness, and doubtless saving lives.
Following the story is a Resource Section containing additional information on specific topics related to mental health and suicide. Readers can choose which topics, if any, they would like more information and resources on, relevant to their individual needs.
Forward by Dr. Xavier Amador, Ph.D.
“Kay Harrison’s book is a powerful and wonderfully sensitive account of what it’s like to suffer from depression and a very serious attempt at suicide. It will benefit many people in this country who suffer from depression as well as their loved ones and friends who want to help. Its compassion, along with her account of practical problem-solving solutions is humble yet immensely helpful. Although it is not a “how to” book, it provides insight into the mind and heart of sufferers of this often-deadly disorder and strategies to recover and thrive.”
~ Dr. Xavier Amador, Ph.D. An internationally sought-after speaker and trainer, clinical psychologist, professor, author, and founder of the LEAP Institute.
In Praise Of
“I believe that most people will relate to Kay’s story as it is not only about overcoming stigma and hopelessness relating to mental illness, but how we cope when life doesn’t give us what we expected. Through Kay’s story we see the value in sharing our own stories. As we are honest with others about our feelings and our mental health, we are able to rally a support network that can professionally and emotionally support us through the overwhelming challenges that we will all encounter in our lives. Thank you, Kay, for your immense courage in sharing your story. Brave and relatable, vulnerable and strong.”
~ Karen Marriott, Community Advocate, Park City, Utah.
“WOW!!! I read the book cover to cover. I couldn't put it down! It's a great story and reinforces the truism that we need to stop hiding mental illness, share our struggles, talk about it, and get rid of the stigma surrounding it, or nothing will change and countless lives will be lost and families devastated. This book is well-written and flows very smoothly. As I said, I couldn't put it down. I truly believe this book will help many, many people. People who are overwhelmed, afraid, feeling shame, who don't know where to turn. I'm glad she survived and is here to help others!”
~ Kathy Grieve, former NAMI Utah Affiliate Leader and NAMI Basics Teacher
“Having read this book several times now, I can honestly say it is an incredible story. Each time I read it I find something new jumps out at me. It is an honest raw depiction of Kay and the things she has dealt with her entire life. As I read I find myself in her shoes going through all the emotions. You cannot put it down. I love hearing from Lex and getting his point of view. So much of this book spoke to me as I’m sure it will to many others who deal with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. It is the right time and season for this book. I commend Kay for sharing her story with the world. If it helps just one person it will be worth it but I am sure it will help many!”
~ Marie Watkins, Book Lover, Avid Reader and Librarian 10+ Years
“Thank you for letting me read this manuscript. It is beautiful to see the recovery process in someone’s life. As a seasoned psychiatric nurse, it gave me a new awareness of how the stigma of mental illness can hinder people from seeking treatment and how this can be potentially deadly. This is a touching story of Kay’s struggles, detailed enough that you really get a sense of who she is, a professional woman, a loving mother and a wife who has weathered many storms. Yet through it all she did not disclose how much she was suffering and the depths of her depression. Kay’s story contradicts the stigma that people with mental illness aren’t strong. In the end she achieved one the highest levels of recovery, being an advocate for others with mental illness. It is written well and at times I was convicted by some of my own stigma, as I don’t know if I could have gone through all she went through, and then turn around and become a champion advocate for others.”
~ Lee Ann Brunson, Psychiatric Nurse at Veterans Administration SLC, Utah
“I broke down and cried as I read the part leading up to and culminating in her suicide attempt and her husband finding her and his reaction. I know how ruminating and spiraling downward feels. For those of us who have suicidal ideation, this lady’s story is so relatable. This is a wonderful book that will help people understand. Her story takes on a universal problem. Kay had a tough road and understandably thought she couldn’t share her troubled feelings and thoughts. This story can teach us that when we step forward into the light and send that light in a circle around us, then we can begin to heal. That is what happened to Kay as she learned not to hide alone in the dark anymore. It’s so important to have validating people who listen and can be empathetic. Each person’s journey is private and Kay could have kept her story private, too. I am thankful she chose to write her story because I think it will help a lot of people - I’m guessing it already has. Everyone who has these experiences either become their own heroes or they fall prey to more trauma. This is a touching story and I couldn’t put it down.”
~ Gayle Hollingsworth, State of Utah Certified Peer Support Specialist, NAMI Utah Teacher and Support Group Facilitator, long time NAMI Utah Board Member
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Lived to Tell: Thriving
After Suicide Attempt
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Lived to Tell: Thriving
After Suicide Attempt
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