Queer Eye star Karamo Brown got very real with his millions of followers on Thursday by revealing that he attempted suicide many years ago.
The 37-year-old shared his story on Instagram that was accompanied by a video of a performer singing the words "…Said I Made It… anybody been through the storm anybody been through the rain…” as it related to what he was talking about.
"Today in 2006 I was sitting on my couch alone, attempting to commit suicide. In my mind life was over for me," Karamo revealed. "But I got mental health support & worked each day to believe again. And here I am happy & healthy. I made it and If you’re going through something you can make it too!" He also include the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the bottom of the post (1-800-273-8255).
The comments section from that post was flooded with supportive comments for the charismatic television star. "I had no idea- thank you for sharing. You are amazing," and "i’m so glad you posted this, it’s so inspiring and you have opened so many eyes and helped others feel comfortable in their own skin , so thank you" were just two of the many left for him after he bravely shared the news.
He followed that initial post up with a video message later on in the day. “Hey friends… today in 2006 I did attempt to commit suicide,” he began. “You know, I was in a very dark place. I just felt like life could not get any better, everything that was happening to me was never going to change, and I tried to take my own life.”
He continued, “And if it wasn’t for my best friends Raymond and Tre calling the ambulance, getting me off the couch, I probably would not be here today.”
He went on to discuss the prevalence of mental health struggles going on in today's world. “I want you all to know that as you see me on Queer Eye helping people with their mental health… it’s because it’s important to me… because I know so many of us suffer from mental health issues and we just don’t know where to turn,” he said.
“Every day it seems darker and darker, but I want you to know that things do get better,” he shared. “If you get help and you do the work daily, your life can change. I’m living proof of that. And if you know someone in your life who’s going through it, reach out to them. You could be their support.”
If you or anyone you know if suffering, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.