---
title: "Emma Benoit of MyAscension: The Surprising Power of Vulnerability and Shared Storytelling in Preventing Youth Suicide"
url: "https://authoritymag.co/articles/emma-benoit-of-myascension-the-surprising-power-of-vulnerability-and-shared-storytelling-in-prev"
publisher: "Authority Magazine"
author: "Pirie Jones Grossman"
authorUrl: "https://authoritymag.co/authors/pirie-jones-grossman"
interviewee: "Emma Benoit"
company: "MyAscension"
category: "Wellness"
datePublished: "2023-02-07T03:49:18.518Z"
dateModified: "2026-11-12T17:07:14.948Z"
tags: "Business"
---

# Emma Benoit of MyAscension: The Surprising Power of Vulnerability and Shared Storytelling in Preventing Youth Suicide

*Suicide prevention advocate and documentary filmmaker Emma Benoit shares her powerful recovery journey and how opening up about mental health saves lives.*

> I would be happy to share my story because I truly believe that sharing is not only helping me in my healing process, but I have seen firsthand how opening this conversation in schools and in the community has encouraged people, teens specifically, to become more comfortable opening up about what they are thinking and feeling.

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U*nfortunately, suicide, particularly among young people, is on the rise. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15–24 in the US. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide, and 9% have made an attempt to end their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Not all people who are suicidal appear to be outwardly upset or even depressed. Asking for help can be very difficult because of the stigma that still surrounds the notion that being depressed, anxiety-filled, or feeling less than means you’re “mentally ill” and that there’s something wrong with you.*

*In this interview series, we are talking to suicide survivors. We want to share the stories of people who lost sight of their worth, how they overcame it when they were given a 2nd chance to live, and how they healed! We also want to share how these survivors went from SURVIVING to THRIVING in their lives.*

*As a part of this interview series I had the distinct pleasure to interview Emma Benoit of MyAscension.*

*Emma Benoit became extremely passionate about suicide prevention after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017, the summer before her senior year in high school. Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed but helped her find faith and purpose; and propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience and miraculous recovery to help others. In 2021, Emma released a documentary film called My Ascension that chronicles her recovery journey and advocacy work, while addressing the youth suicide epidemic.*

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**Thank you for your bravery and strength in being so open with us. I personally understand how hard this is. Before we dive in, can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what you do professionally?**

My name is Emma Benoit. I’m 22 years old and I was born and raised in Louisiana, and I currently live in Baton Rouge. Right now, I spend most of my time professionally taking my documentary film, MyAscension, around the country to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Through screenings at schools, churches, military bases, in the communities and more, I have been able to reach thousands of teens, parents and individuals by sharing my testimony and message of hope. It has been therapeutic in ways to offer inspiration and hope to those struggling. I have become very fulfilled in this journey of sharing my lived experience and offering hope to others.

**Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?**

My biggest project and the one closest to my heart is promoting my documentary film, MyAscension, which chronicles the journey after my suicide attempt. After a successful 2022 traveling around the country bringing my documentary to people across the nation, I am looking forward to booking even more screenings this year and expanding my reach and message, especially at a time when the suicide rate is continuing to increase. I hope to continue advocating for suicide prevention efforts in communities by sharing the documentary film and my hosting more interactive events with members of a schools and communities.

**Let’s now jump to the main part of our interview. Are you able to share with our readers what happened in your life that made you believe that there was no other way to end the pain you were experiencing except by taking your own life? Were you dealing with depression, bullying, substance abuse, anxiety, or other outside environmental issues, such as parents’ divorce, financial worries, loss, or rejection, that you felt like you couldn’t control?**

I would be happy to share my story because I truly believe that sharing is not only helping me in my healing process, but I have seen firsthand how opening this conversation in schools and in the community has encouraged people, teens specifically, to become more comfortable opening up about what they are thinking and feeling. I have even had teenagers come up to me after a screening of the film, MyAscension, to tell me they had had a plan to attempt to take their life but changed their mind after watching and hearing my story. I cannot tell you how much those interactions mean to me. It is proof that through our wounds and vulnerability, we can find connection.

I grew up in south Louisiana, in a middle-class family of four. From the outside perspective, my childhood was an ideal one. My older brother is my best friend, my parents are happily married, I was a carefree and charismatic kid. Things took a turn once I got into my later elementary and middle school years. Growing up mental health was not something that was well understood. The stigma surrounding mental health was truly felt. It was viewed as shameful and weak to admit when you were struggling. From a very young age, I remember dealing with anxious feelings and didn’t know how to communicate my emotions. Due to the stigma and lack of understanding of mental health, I felt ashamed for my feelings and thought that I was weak for feeling and thinking so deeply. I began to struggle with my self-image and poured myself into things that gave me validation from my peers and the adults in my life. I in turn only ever felt good about myself or that I was valued whenever I was performing well or to my standards or looked nice aesthetically. I have always been a perfectionist as well as a people pleaser. These two factors of my personality made things extremely difficult for me. I began the habit of negative self-talk and self-deprecating thinking. I went through several years of feeling little to no self-worth, in a constant state of comparison and catastrophizing every situation, which in turn led to depression. I did my best to hide my depression because I was terrified of harsh criticism, unsolicited advice, punishment even. I felt like I didn’t even understand my depression, so I would tell myself that no one would get it. Around the time of my attempt, on the outside, everyone around me would say I had it all. I was popular, a varsity cheerleader, a healthy family, but on the inside, I was suffering from depression and anxiety, in silence. My suicide attempt was in the summer of 2017, which was the summer before my senior year of high school. I had just returned home from a short trip in New York City, where I was modeling for a local photographer. During that trip, it felt like my joy had returned. Getting asked to be a part of the trip was a huge boost to my confidence. However, coming home from the trip felt like I had fallen from a cloud. Once I returned home, I truly realized how bad my reality felt to me, because I now had something to compare it to. Returning home revealed the cloud of depression that I had been living under for so long. In that moment, I truly lost all hope. On that fateful day, when a moment of crisis presented itself, I acted impulsively, and I attempted to end my life. I miraculously survived but did have long-lasting injuries. My attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed. The physical experience that I endured helped me find faith and purpose. It has propelled me on a mission to use my experience and miraculous recovery to help others. Now, I share my mission everyday through my documentary, MyAscension, which chronicles the days leading up to my attempt, the actual attempt, and the long healing process that came afterwards.

**What did you want or need from your friends, family, or even yourself before you attempted to end your life?**

I needed to have more compassion for myself. The times that I would think to myself, “you should tell someone about this,” I needed to act on — as opposed to shutting the thought down by telling myself to “get over it and no one would get it.” I needed to be understood and supported in my big feelings. I think that had I learned to feel my feelings rather than suppress them, it may have given me courage to seek counseling. I believe that had the people in my life understood the severity and realness that is our mental health, different steps would have been taken.

**What did you do to get help & support before you attempted? And if you didn’t ask for help, why?**

For as long as I can remember, I dealt with anxiety and depression but didn’t have the proper words to share my feelings with others. In my house, which is not unlike most houses in America, we didn’t talk about mental health, so those words and concepts were foreign to me. Instead of sharing how I felt, I was ashamed of my feelings and kept them to myself. On the outside, I looked like I had the perfect life and was completely put together, but on the inside it was a completely different story that led me to attempting to take my life in June of 2017. Because of the outside image of my “picture perfect life,” I felt a need to protect myself from judgement. I was afraid of judgement from my peers, and my image being tainted in some way if they knew about my struggles. What I tell people now is that it is okay to not be okay and that parents need to be comfortable talking about mental health in their house just like they would ask their child if they have a headache or a stomachache. We all struggle at some point or another in life, so it is important to remember that you are not defined by your struggles. Often, I felt like I was a bad person because I struggled emotionally and mentally. Parents should be doing regular mental health check-ins and keeping the conversation open asking questions like, “are you feeling anxious today,” “we can talk about how you feel,” “how can I support you,” “are you feeling sad, or do you think it is leading to depression?” Fostering this type of dialogue in the home environment can only encourage positive mental healing.

**What signs would you tell parents, friends, or loved ones to look for in people they think may need help?**

I get this question from parents a lot when I am on a panel after one of my documentary screenings. I tell them that they first need to understand their child’s baseline behaviors. Then, if their child starts moving away from the baseline they need to start paying attention and asking questions. For instance, for me, when I became a senior in high school, I quit cheerleading, a sport I loved and participated in my whole life. That should have been a big sign to my parents. I stopped showing interest in things I once was passionate about and my grades started to suffer as well. I would encourage parents to watch for those signs and get a professional involved if they start noticing these differences. I also encourage parents to practice expressing all of their emotions — not just the good feelings. By modeling vulnerability, you show your kids that it is acceptable, and normal. Modeling this kind of behavior will show your kids how to handle big feelings, rather than avoid and suppress them. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable. As human beings, we flea from discomfort. Some situations and feelings are going to be uncomfortable to feel and discuss. Avoid rushing to the rescue to solve their problems. Problem solving and emotional regulation is very important for a person who is struggling. Parents, avoid giving the young person reasons to be happy in times distress, and instead ask them to explain how the feel, and offer love and support. In my opinion, one of the best forms of support is saying “I am here for you” and meeting them where they are.

**What should they ask or do if someone they love is saying things like they don’t want to live anymore?**

Most importantly, they need to get them help through a professional. They can also go to them and let them know that they are available to talk about anything and just be there to listen. I would also recommend offering them information about 988 which is an amazing resource. It is crucial that the person learning the information does not panic. Becoming worked up out of fear is always a negative way of responding. Instead, remain calm and thank them for sharing that with you. Ask them specific questions like “do they have a plan” and from there, you can begin empathically supporting them by actively listening. If they have a plan, work to keep them safe by telling a family member or loved one so that they can take steps to remove harmful objects from the home. Remind them that it is a good thing that they opened up, because now they aren’t in it alone. If you are not a professional hearing this information, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. Avoid giving them forms of toxic positivity, and remind them that they can get through this, and that you are there to support their needs.

Hearing testimonials from others who have been there can also be extremely helpful. Months after my attempt, I came across a video of Kevin Hines, a suicide attempt survivor sharing his story. Learning his story and seeing how things got better for him, gave me so much hope. I also recently heard a story from a therapist that she had a teen patient who had a plan to take her life. The therapist showed her the trailer to my documentary right there in her office which was about three minutes long. Once she finished it, the teen was crying and said had changed her mind after watching that. It makes my heart so full to know how even a small part of my story can have such an impact on someone’s life.

**As you look back on your life now, what do you think was the biggest mistake you made before your attempt?**

The biggest mistake that I made before the attempt, was believing that I was truly helpless. I had convinced myself that no one would understand me emotionally and mentality. Whenever the thought of reaching out would cross my mind, I would immediately shut that thought down by telling myself “one will understand” “no one cares about your problems” etc. I truly regret falling into those patterns of thought because that mindset is what made me feel trapped in my hopelessness. I regret not listening to my intuition about how big my feelings were. The basis of my regret is self-invalidation.

**What did you do to get help & support after your attempt?**

Due to the intensity of my injuries post attempt, I didn’t really begin to unpack the emotional side of things until I had returned home from the hospital. I began seeing a therapist throughout my physical recovery while still in the hospital, but was not ready to begin healing yet. Once I returned home, the emotions and everything that I had been dealing with resurfaced, and I started seeing a new therapist. Therapy in combination with blogging, allowed me to gain clarity, alter my perspective and feel less alone in my journey. Overtime, I became more comfortable with talking about my feelings and thoughts. I gained a ton of coping skills and began my self-love journey.

I also happened to meet the producer of the documentary around the time that I published my journals onto a blog website. We started filming my story eight months after my attempt. I felt encouraged to share my story due to the positive feedback that I received from blogging. While I didn’t see it back then, I think going through that process to film that documentary and get it out to the world was also a huge part of my healing process. Today, I still have people to talk to when I need guidance and support, but I also am passionate about protecting my mental health by practicing several things such as daily affirmations, avoiding social media first thing in the morning, reading, journaling and much more.

**What was the most helpful or healing part of your recovery?**

The most healing and helpful part of my journey has been sharing my testimony. For so long, it felt like these things isolated me. After sharing my blogs, the response and feedback from people from all over showed me that I was never truly alone. I felt such a sense of connectedness to the people who reached out to share their stories. I believe that we were put here together for a reason. I have been so fulfilled by the people who can relate to my story and feel less alone. Providing hope to others through sharing my most vulnerable moments has been the most healing part of my journey.

**What would you tell others who may be feeling suicidal that you wish someone would have told you?**

I would tell them it is okay to not be okay and in fact these feelings are normal. I would follow the steps of thanking them for sharing, ask them to explain how they feel, and first and foremost, meet them where they are. I would remind them that there is hope and share how things can get better. If it fits in the conversation, I would let them know that every human feels anxious or depressed at some point in their life. I would tell them it can always get better and there is always a solution and ask if they want to problem solve things together. I would also tell them that immediately after my attempt, I felt an instant regret and knew right away I didn’t want to die. My brain was lying to me and people need to understand that when you are in the moment, your brain can take over and tell you things that just aren’t true.

**How has your life changed? How are you doing now?**

This has changed my life completely. I truly believe that I got a second chance. It has reestablished my faith in God, and I really do see colors brighter now. My life’s goal at this point is to get my message of hope and redemption out, as well as destigmatize this issue. It is so sad to watch stories about people taking their lives and watching the suicide rate continue to go up. I really hope that I can help people realize how important the mental health conversation is and that I can help parents start a conversation with their teens. I said from the very beginning of my journey that if my documentary and my story could save just one life, that is worth it to me. I’m overwhelmed by the feedback I have received from schools and in the community of parents and teachers and counselors telling me that my story is saving lives every day. I never imagined the impact I would make and look forward to continuing to make an even bigger one. I am truly so fulfilled by sharing my story, and watching it help others.

**What would you like to say to the millions of young adults between the ages of 15–25 years old? What is your message to them?**

I would tell them that life is not easy, and life is not perfect. Please do not believe everything you see on social media. You are only seeing a glimpse of that person’s day and most likely the best part of their day. That is not life. Life is messy and we are meant to go through life with other people supporting us along the way. Be kind to yourself and treat yourself the way that you want to be treated by others. Mindset is very important. Work on being mindful of how you speak to yourself and give yourself more grace. You don’t have to have everything figured out when you graduate high school. It’s okay to explore and mess up and try again until you get it right. Never compare your journey to someone else. Everyday, is a new chance to try again — always remember to take things one day at a time.

**Based on your own experience, are you able to share five things you learned about yourself and about life because of this traumatic incident? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.**

1. It is okay not to be okay. — There is such a negative stigma surrounding mental health and emotional pain. Self-invalidation is a dangerous place to be. Acknowledging that we all struggle at some point in our lives is necessary. You are not a bad or ungrateful person because of your struggles. Your mental health does not define who you are. Always remember that your feelings are temporary. Addressing the emotions as they come and identifying it before it takes over, is a crucial coping skill that I have learned.
2. Social media is an illusion. — I was very wrapped up in this perfect image, that I began to believe that everyone’s life was somehow better than mine. I put so much of my worth into this perfect image and into tangible things that I never felt good enough, pretty enough, like I had enough etc. I learned that social media is an altered version of a person’s reality. I had a realization that I was no longer going to compare myself to what I see online because it distorts my view of my reality.
3. You can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. — Prior to my attempt, I was a people pleaser. I dealt with the anxieties that come with wanting the approval of others. I tried hard to always make sure that everyone was happy and pleased when it came to me. I said “yes” to everything, which put me in positions that made me feel stuck. I never wanted to let anyone down, and in turn, I neglected my needs. This mindset and behavior led me put pressure on myself in every aspect of my life. I have learned that instead of focusing on having the approval of everyone else, to start with setting healthy boundaries for the sake of self-acceptance. Don’t change or conform to fit it- be you!
4. Do not rush through your life. –There is no need to rush through your goals or growing up. In high school, I felt so much pressure to have my entire life figured out before graduation. I thought that success only came from constant productivity, which in turn made me feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Remove the pressure to be perfect. You don’t have to be the best at everything, just be the best version of you. It’s important to remember that taking things one day at time is crucial to protect your mental health. Perfectionism is dangerous, and comparison is a thief of joy. Focus on your journey and celebrate others.
5. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. — I was terrified of emotion and vulnerability. Through various forms of therapy, I have changed my perspective. Opening up with someone is incredibly healing. Hearing the words out loud that you are thinking in your head make the thoughts feel more “real” in a way. Talking through the thoughts in your head can help you navigate the feelings that are associated with the thoughts, and vice versa.

**What are you doing now that you’re the proudest of? How are you making a difference in the world by having the gift of a second chance?**

I am truly on a mission to spread a hopeful message about mental health and suicide prevention. I love meeting the teens and parents who show up to a screening of my documentary, MyAscension, at a school or community event. Many times, I will participate in a panel afterwards and share aspects of my journey and mental health tips. Everyone is always so appreciative and with many of the teens I see how my message and story has affected them. I know how lucky I am to have this second chance and want to do all I can to reach the masses so that I can hopefully make a difference in the suicide rates around the country.

**You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the largest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)**

There is a campaign I am working on now that I hope really helps spread the message of hope and healing and make a true difference. It is called the 1 million Lives Campaign. There are 1.2 million suicide attempts every year in the US. In response to this epidemic, The 1 Million Lives Campaign is using MY ASCENSION as the centerpiece of an initiative to help youth, families and communities enhance mental wellness and prevent suicide.

The 1 Million Lives Campaign is committed to providing support and resources aimed at:

- Sharing stories of hope and recovery
- Training teens, parents, and teachers in suicide prevention
- Reducing stigma around mental health and suicide
- Encouraging struggling individuals to talk about their pain and reach out for help

When survivors like me share their stories, it can help prevent others from attempting.

**How can our readers continue to follow your work online?**

You can find more information on me and the documentary at: [www.myascension.us](http://www.myascension.us)

Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/myascension](https://www.facebook.com/myascension)

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-benoit-b333551b8/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-benoit-b333551b8/)

Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/myascensionmovie/](https://www.instagram.com/myascensionmovie/)

I was also recently featured on Dr. Phil. You can see that interview here: [https://www.facebook.com/myascension/posts/pfbid02HXqkBTWGV6Ps7hKm5HcwS3P3tpTCwCdbvHRDzBADof5h488PuDE6z6FEpWbZaRbjl](https://www.facebook.com/myascension/posts/pfbid02HXqkBTWGV6Ps7hKm5HcwS3P3tpTCwCdbvHRDzBADof5h488PuDE6z6FEpWbZaRbjl)

**Thank you so much for your courage in telling your story. We greatly appreciate your time, and we wish you only continued success and good health.**

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Source: https://authoritymag.co/articles/emma-benoit-of-myascension-the-surprising-power-of-vulnerability-and-shared-storytelling-in-prev (Authority Magazine, Wellness). Interviewee answers are first-person statements of the guest. Index of all pages: https://authoritymag.co/llms.txt