Kristen attempted suicide by laying down on a set of railroad tracks near her parents home. She was run over by 33 freight train cars at 50 mph, and both of her legs were severed, but miraculously, she survived!Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen’s world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn’t seem to have an end. Then, on a cold January night at the age of 17, Kristen attempted suicide by laying down on a set of railroad tracks near her parents’ home. She was run over by 33 freight train cars at 50 mph, and both of her legs were severed, but miraculously, she survived!
Kristen and I wrote her book Life, In Spite of Me a few years ago, and God has done some wonderful things in her life! She’s gotten married and has a sweet baby boy. God continues to redeem her life. <click to tweet>
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Kristen again and she shared her story. Although it is difficult to hear, I believe it’s important to gain an understanding of the struggles one might go through when experiencing depression and/or suicidal thoughts.
listen here: https://triciagoyer.com/walkitout-podcast-023-kristen-anderson/
Here are some suicide warning signs:
- appearing depressed or sad most of the time
- having no hope for the future
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or trapped in a situation, and having excessive guilt or shame
- talking or writing about death or suicide
- withdrawing from family or friends
- acting recklessly or impulsively
- a change in personality, sleeping, or eating habits
- decreased interest in most activities
- dramatic mood changes
- giving away prized possessions
You can connect with Kristen and her ministry, Reaching You, on Facebook!
Do you know someone who is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts? You can call and get help or direct them to the National Suicide Hotline.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 150 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.
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