# @chrisyandle on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C_vVDg5xJVK
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/23050862-chrisyandle-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/529179e642.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-09-10T14:11:35.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Chris Yandle, Ph.D. (@ChrisYandle) — https://gondola.cc/ChrisYandle

## Caption

I shared this last week, but since Tuesday, September 10 is #suicidepreventionday, I wanted to repost my story.

There are two months out of the year that are the most important to me: May (#MentalHealthAwareness) and September (#SuicidePrevention).

Every year, I share my #mentalhealth story to raise money for @namisoutheastlouisiana. But I don’t share it for a transactional reason. I share it because I’ve lived it. @aeyandle has watched me live it and survive it.

I have a semicolon tattoo on my left wrist... not because I love punctuation and proper grammar, but because it’s a message of affirmation to myself to keep fighting against depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

The semicolon means my story is still ongoing. It reminds me to take a breath.

My story isn’t any more special than anyone else’s. I’m not a celebrity or a professional athlete with a platform to share my experience and change the lives of thousands of people with one tweet. 

Regardless of the platforms, a stigma remains about depression and suicide - particularly among men.

Ultimately, my overcoming the suicidal ideation led to me writing those daily #DadLunchNotes you’ve read for eight years. It’s my way of giving my kids the advice, support, and security I needed when I was at my lowest.

Going to therapy, sharing your emotions, being empathetic… that makes you a real man.

Want to be a “real” man? Don’t suffer in silence.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #suicideprevention

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 16
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Tags

mentalhealthawareness, dadlunchnotes, suicideprevention, suicidepreventionday, mentalhealth, mentalhealthmatters

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