Suicide Prevention: Rodolfo’s Story

Before losing his son to suicide, Rodolfo thought suicide only affected people who came from dysfunctional families. His experience has taught him to reach out to those around him more often in love and support.

“It could affect anybody,” he says. “We need to learn as leaders of the church, how can we prevent this. We need to learn how to talk about it. We need to understand that mental illness is just like having any other illness.”


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[sonyfusion]

I had the privilege to serve around Carlos in the mission. He was a powerful teacher and could have brought the spirit. He is always missed

[Ms.kara.]

Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. I lost my little brother Jack to suicide this past August. It's overwhelming to have to live this life most days but others strength gives me the courage to try and be happy again.

[offtoneverlxnd]

Carlos was in my EFY group one summer. His passing was truly heartbreaking. But because of Carlos I know even more firmly there is hope in a Savior, and because He gave all for each of us we can be made whole through his power and grace in this life and the next. You are never alone, you are loved, and hope is never lost.

[cassindamills]

I was able to serve around him also for about 4 months. He was an amazing missionary, and I still miss his friendship

[danyellkennedy]

It is so hard being Mormon and struggling with anxiety and depression. Although I struggle I feel if I stopped going to church the little bit left to hold on would disappeare 😥😥

[hollywright]

I am so sorry dear family of Carlos. Tears just streamed down my face as I watched this. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you.

[hial]

I don't know the pain and heart ache from the loss of a loved one or friend. I do know that it is a serious problem in our community, circle of friend, and family. I am committed to be a good listener.

[Glen.Danielsen]

Hermano, thank you so much for sharing this. It helps me and countless other Saints. An acquaintance of mine: gone. Our ward members’ son: gone. Marie Osmond’s son also. I am diagnosed with depression. Your words actually help people like me heal and live with hope. Gracias.
Huge love, 💛 🙏🏽

[crazyrnu]

Thank you for sharing your story. We need to break the stigma and help people realize that not being okay is okay.

[koolkaaattt]

Rest In Peace my dear beloved cousin <3
It breaks my heart that you are now gone, but at least you are now with God, Jesus Christ and Angels. I will always miss the time I have spent with you Carlos🙁💜
-Emily

[samesnow]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Much love to your family. I know God will send people in our life to love and support us, to remind us that He lives and loves us too.

[jerryburton]

There are so many days I just want to give up. I’m 59 years old. I’ve suffered with BiPolar, Severe Depression and PTSD since 2005. When I was young I suffered depression but was told there wasn’t anything wrong with me, to just get over it. On March 3rd this year I passed out and fell down 4 steps into my man cave. Laid unconscious 4 days. When I woke, I woke from 4 days of nightmaresish hallucinations. I couldn’t move and finally found my tablet and sent my doctor jibberish 3 different times thinking it was near her time to go to her office because I knew she left early everyday. I sent a few more text asking to be taken to Walmart to the food pickup because I was dyeing of thirst. She finally made sense of a text and said I’ll be there asap. About 5:45am she showed up looking into the man cave window from the carport. She couldn’t break the glass to get in and called the Paramedics and they came and found the front door unlocked and open. You see, where I live at is rural and you never have to lock your doors. Well when i got to the hospital I have 5% kidney function left if not less and heart arithmia from those 4 days I laid unconscious. The following 8 days of treatment i suffered more nightmares and hallucinations that were so bad I woke up with seats and not knowing where i was and scared. Then I spent 8 days in a psych ward and then three months in therapy learning to. Walk again. I went from a wheelchair to a walker and cane in 4 months with the new braces I was sized for. By now you may be thinking what does this have to do with this story or suicide. Well there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of it. I’m tired or the medicines I need to keep pain away and to heal and much more. So what keeps me from suicide I ask myself. The church is one answer, even tho I don’t go because of the medications I take. My life and daily routines are so messed up. I did get to partake in the mornings after church the rituals of taking the bread and water. But there are so many times now that i am ready to just end it all snd trust Gods Will. I love the church and it’s people. But now I feel I am getting closer and closer.

[crystalayers]

I am so very sorry for your pain, suffering, and loss from losing your son. Thanks for sharing your story and testimony. I wish they would train Bishops, Stake Presidents, and other leaders in our Branches, Wards, & Stakes about mental illness. I wish my Bishop could have understanding and compassion. I wish it could be something taught to members on the 5th Sundays of the month for the next few years.

[samanthaanderson]

Thank you for sharing. It is so important that we are aware and actively looking for ways to serve and love others. We never know what someone is going through. This is an inspired topic of focus for our day.

[zman]

Thanks for sharing the story. I, too, know that it's hard to live when you have depression because i have one too. I had hope that i can share with my family first but it backfired and now i can't even start a conversation with my parent without being judged for who i am. Carlos was very lucky kid to have such an understanding family, i hope this story reach out to more people who also suffering from depression.

[KateyM]

Thanks for sharing this. My heart goes out to you. Its wonderful you have a testimony of the plan of salvation and know you will see your lovely son again. Watching this video makes me want to reach out more to my friends who struggle with depression and let them know there is help available. This Church is wonderful. Thank you again and may God Bless you and your family.

[TinaHammer]

Most Powerful testimony.... Thank you for sharing your story.... the pain is "so great"...

[cinsidebackwardsnbacksideo]

Thank you for sharing your very personal story with me, God bless and I love you. Dark times are real, I'm sorry

[ozzypawsborneprinceofbarkness]

Thank you for sharing your story and your testimony Rodolfo.

[davidlemon]

Thank you far sharing this experience. This breaks my heart.