Editor’s note: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline may be reached by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Free 24/7 support is also available by texting HOME to 741741, the crisis text line.
As Anne Moss Rogers opened her presentation at an Innsbrook Rotary meeting with the story of her son’s suicide, one Rotarian turned to another and said, “Wow. How can she say that so calmly?”
But while Rogers seemed matter-of-fact as she recited the facts of Charles’ death in 2015, that purposeful, no-nonsense exterior conceals an ocean of upheaval and churning emotions within…..
I am an emotionally naked TEDx speaker, and author of the Book, Diary of a Broken Mind and co-author with Kim O'Brien PhD, LICSW of Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk. I raised two boys, Richard and Charles, and lost my younger son, Charles to substance use disorder and suicide on June 5, 2015. I help people foster a culture of connection to prevent suicide, reduce substance misuse and find life after loss. My motivational, training and workshop topics include suicide prevention, addiction, mental illness, coping strategies/resilience, and grief.
As talented and funny as Charles was, letting other people know they matter was his greatest gift. And now the legacy I try and carry forward in my son's memory.
Professional Speaker Website. Trained in ASIST and trainer for the evidence-based 4-hour training for everyone called safeTALK.
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