98: Surviving a Suicide Attempt by Gunshot

Ariel shares her story of surviving childhood SA, addiction, and years of struggling with her mental health before reaching a point where she attempted to take her own life. After six months of sobriety from alcohol, a difficult night became a breaking point, and Ariel survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, an experience she describes as being followed almost immediately by regret and the realization that she wanted to live.

In the years since, Ariel has had to confront not only the trauma that contributed to her attempt, but the physical and emotional aftermath of surviving it. She opens up about the impact on her son and family, her experiences within the mental health system, and the work it took to rebuild her life. Today, Ariel lives and works at Mattersville, a nonprofit wolf dog rescue that works with veterans struggling with PTSD, where caring for the animals and finding purpose within the community became an important part of her healing.

Mattersville

https://mattersvillevets.org/

Resources:

Crisis Text Line

741741

RAINN

24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline

1-800-656-HOPE

SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)

1-800-662-HELP (4357)