Suicide is often sudden, which means that receiving the news of  a loved one’s death can feel like being suddenly struck.  

Laurel resident and South Central Coding Compliance Auditor and Educator Brandie Johnson understands just how painful this type of loss can be. She has spent the past 17 years grieving the loss of her brother to suicide and has worked to turn that pain into purpose by breaking the silence around mental health. 

Brandie said, “My brother and I were always very close. I like to tell people that he was my birthday present. We were born four years and three days apart. So, he was my fourth birthday present. Humor was his gift. He could always make me or anyone else laugh. I love him very much and miss him every single day.” 

Brandie first heard about her brother’s suicide when she received a phone call from her parents on Christmas morning in 2008. 

“I thought they were calling to wish me a Merry Christmas and talk to my son, Mason,” Brandie said. “When we answered, it was my dad, and I immediately knew that something was wrong.”   

After hearing what had happened, Brandie felt unbelievable sadness and shock. As time went on, these emotions shifted, leaving Brandie feeling confused and, at times, guilty. 

Speaking Out to Break the Stigma  

When suicide occurs, people often avoid discussing the situation. Each family affected by suicide must decide for themselves how much information to share and when. When asked about her brother, Brandie feels as though she ought to share that he died by suicide to encourage conversation regarding suicide. It is important to note that it took time for Brandie to be able to calmly share her story with others.  

“For me to be able to say ‘he committed suicide,’ is a huge thing. There is healing in that. I do not want to normalize suicide, but it is okay to talk about it. Neutralizing that stigma.” 

In this fast-paced world, where we are in constant connection and communication, we still circumvent conversations regarding mental health and suicide. The problem, however, continues to grow as we remain silent. According to a 2023 article written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 49,300 people.” 

By sharing her family’s story, Brandie hopes to open the door to conversations that many people are afraid to start — conversations that can bring awareness, reduce stigma and ultimately, save lives. 

Support Makes a Difference  

When someone experiences this type of tragedy, it is often hard to process all the conflicting emotions on their own.

“If somebody dies from cancer, there is somewhere you can place that blame,” Brandie said. “With suicide, there are misplaced emotions because you do not have that.” 

Brandie relied on her faith and the support of her family, but she was grateful to have also been pointed in the direction of a qualified professional counselor.  

“I had a very good friend who reached out to me and suggested that I speak to a grief counselor,” Brandie said. “I took his advice and contacted her. For two and a half hours, she let me ask questions, cry and talk. She let me try to make sense of something that will never make sense, never.”  

“I was so grateful that this resource was available to me,” Brandie said with a smile. “I think it is important that people know that organizations that want to help and support exist.” 

How We Can All Help  

To further neutralize the stigma and encourage those suffering from suicidal ideation, people ought to:  

• Become educated on the signs of suicide. 

• Encourage help-seeking behavior for those who may be struggling with mental health issues (seek out resources such as hotlines, support groups, etc.)  

• Ask someone if they are okay? Or if you feel comfortable, ask if they are considering suicide?  

• Offer kindness and genuine care to others, because you do not know what someone else is going through. 

The team of trained psychiatrists and therapists at South Central Behavioral Health is here to help patients affected by suicide cope with the emotions they may feel. To schedule an appointment, please call 601-426-9614. 

If you need assistance outside of normal business hours, call 988 to speak with someone from The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  

In loving memory of Bradley McAndrews.