How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention

“Sue Blauner’s you-are-there account . . . offers insight and understanding to anyone who has been touched by suicide.”—Joan Anderson, author of A Year by the Sea

An epidemic of international proportions, suicide has touched the lives of nearly half of all Americans, yet is rarely talked about openly. In this timely and important book, Susan Blauner breaks the silence to offer guidance and hope for those contemplating ending their lives—and for the loved ones who want to help them.

A survivor of multiple suicide attempts, Blauner eloquently describes the feelings and fantasies surrounding suicide. In a direct, nonjudgmental, and loving voice, she offers affirmations and suggestions for those experiencing life-ending thoughts, and for their friends and family. Here is an essential resource destined to be the classic guide on the subject.

An international epidemic, suicide has touched the lives of nearly half of all Americans, yet is rarely talked about openly. In this timely and important book, Susan Blauner breaks the silence to offer guidance and hope for those contemplating ending their lives -- and for their loved ones.

A survivor of multiple suicide attempts, Blauner eloquently describes the feelings and fantasies surrounding suicide. In a direct, nonjudgmental, and loving voice, she offers affirmations and suggestions for those experiencing life-ending thoughts, and for their friends and family. Here is an essential resource destined to be the classic guide on the subject.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly, third among those aged 14-24, and eighth among all Americans. More than 30,000 Americans take their lives annually, and more than 650,000 Americans attempt suicide every year.


• In August 2002, Blauner will participate in "Out of the Darkness," the largest ever public awareness event on the topic, in Washington, D.C.


• A portion of the book's proceeds will go to the National Hopeline Network/National Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE).

“In her heartfelt and important book, Blauner … offers guidance and hope for those contemplating ending their lives.” - Library Journal (starred review)

“With neither hollow platitudes nor medical doublespeak… Blauner provides an extremely valuable and much-needed tool for both suicidal thinkers and their loved ones.” - Publishers Weekly

“The best suicide prevention manual for the suicidal thinker, suicide attempter, layperson, or professional.” - Iris Bolton, founder of the National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare

“Each word written with thoughtful intent; each story told with the deepest of honesty and humility, and in doing so Blauner puts forward a life-saving book.” - Daniel J. Reidenberg, PsyD, Executive Director, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.save.org)

“How I Stayed Alive is vulnerable and resilient, deeply personal and profoundly practical.... As we continue the fight for mental health parity and equal access to treatment services, this empathetic and pragmatic guide offers support for those who desperately need a roadmap to survival.” - Patrick J. Kennedy, former U.S. Representative and founder of The Kennedy Forum

“How I Stayed Alive is vulnerable and resilient, deeply personal and profoundly practical. In its revised edition, this book will continue to be an important resource for those suffering from suicidal ideation and mental illness, and to provide insight and hope for their loved ones.” - Patrick J. Kennedy, former U.S. Representative and founder of The Kennedy Forum