In a poignant revelation, a man who lost both his wife and father to suicide has shared the "biggest sign" he missed that indicated his wife was on the brink. His story aims to highlight often unnoticed warning signs among loved ones, hoping to prevent others from facing similar tragedies.
Key Takeaways
- Eric Zink lost his wife, Brandy, to suicide in 2015 and his father in 2017.
- Brandy exhibited a sudden, unexplained happiness shortly before her death.
- Zink uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness.
- Clinical experts explain why individuals may appear happy before taking their own lives.
A Sudden Change in Behavior
Eric Zink, 43, shared that his wife Brandy, who had struggled with childhood trauma, addiction, and depression, suddenly seemed happy and had a positive outlook on life during the final week of her life. This change, which Zink initially saw as a miraculous recovery, was actually a sign that she had given up.
"Everything was good and I bought into that," Zink said, explaining that he believed she had miraculously shaken off her depression. However, upon reflection during trauma therapy, he realized that this sudden happiness was a sign of her giving up.
The Hidden Struggles
Brandy’s struggles were not unique. According to Mental Health America, depression affects around 21 million American adults annually. It can strip away the pleasure of daily life, exacerbate other medical conditions, and in severe cases, lead to suicide.
Zink revealed that Brandy had struggled with childhood trauma, addiction, and depression for most of her life. Despite attempts at therapy, she often fell back into old habits. On August 27, 2015, Brandy passed away at the age of 34.
Expert Insights
Clinical psychologist Dr. Sona Kaur explained that it is not uncommon for individuals to appear happy or upbeat shortly before taking their own life. This phenomenon can occur for several reasons:
- Relief After Decision: The individual may feel a sense of relief after deciding to end their life, believing it will end their suffering.
- Hiding True Feelings: Individuals contemplating suicide often become adept at hiding their true feelings to prevent others from suspecting their plans.
- Leaving Positive Impressions: They may want to leave positive final impressions on their loved ones or subtly say goodbye without raising alarm.
Advocacy and Awareness
Now a content creator, mentor, and public speaker, Zink uses his platform to advocate for mental health. His video on TikTok has garnered over 1.5 million views, 48,000 likes, and numerous comments from people sharing their own experiences.
One user commented, "This is so true. When I tried to commit suicide over 20 years ago, I was super happy and joyous. It’s very important that people know what to look out for."
Another user shared, "A lot of us that deal with extreme depression put on a happy face. We try to be happy, but there’s a strong voice inside that is not."
Conclusion
Eric Zink’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden struggles many face and the importance of recognizing the signs of severe depression. His advocacy work continues to shed light on mental health issues, aiming to prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional help.
