Ryan Anderson is a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a movie lover, and a basketball player. Ryan plays for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. He also knows the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.
We recently spent two days with Ryan in New Orleans. He was incredibly brave and open about the loss of his girlfriend, Gia Allemand, who died by suicide in 2013. In our new video, Ryan speaks to the people he leaned on, the importance of counseling, and his hope for the future.
Ryan also shared his story with Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Ballard. We commend Chris and the entire SI team for their thoughtful, supportive approach to such a delicate, difficult issue. To read the Sports Illustrated article, click here.
We are incredibly honored that Ryan has chosen to share his story with us and through us. We stand with him, wanting people to know they’re not alone, and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Stephanie Cece
Therapy, therapy, therapy . Can there be anyway that a therapist can talk to you over the phone . In most cases no , or after meeting them first . . . Some people may not ‘live the life’ mentally , but financially and circumstance can make a world of difference . I was once told ‘we’re burning daylight’ . This couldn’t be more true . We all must cherish the daylight because the day will come when we won’t have the opportunity to embrace the physical life we were created to live . . .
Hope
I have gotten through the day thanks to this inspiring gift . . .
Bessie Ragan
Thank you for your genuine honesty. I am so sorry for your loss but I want to recognize your bravery and courage. You are bringing purpose to her exit and what you are doing is monumental. It does not make it easier, but perhaps Gia is shining upon the universe because you are fulfilling her spirit. Do not forget to love yourself.
Samantha Thurston
I’ve battled some really dark days…
I’ve done a lot of self harm…
I watched my best friend take her own life
& leave a 3 yr old daughter & 7 yr old son behind… I spent 5 days in an amazing facility that showed me I wasn’t alone… Praise God for bringing me out of the darkness & a huge thank you to those that
Speak out… Without hearing others speak the truth I may not be here today!! God bless & thank you for showing others we are not alone!!!
Hannah VanBuskirk
I love it. People don’t understand how important it is to have other people in your life. I’m going to use this in my club.
Maeve O'reiley
I’m falling away again, back into that darkness I thought I left behind years ago… I keep thinking about killing myself, just hoping someone will burst through the door to save me. But I know they won’t…
Claire Biggs
Hi Maeve,
Thank you so much for commenting on this post. We’re so moved by your courage to reach out in the midst of your struggle. We hope you found some encouragement last night and are in a better place this morning.
Have you reached out to anyone in your family, friend group, or community about how you’re feeling? We believe people need other people, and we hope you have someone in your life that will walk alongside you during this time.
We’d also like to point you to our Find Help section: https://twloha.com/find-help. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifelife: 1.800.273.TALK (273-8255). We’d also recommend looking into SiOS if you are looking for support regarding your self-harm.
Maeve, we are not mental health professionals, but we are here for you and we believe in your story. If you ever want to get in touch with a member of our team, we answer all emails we receive at [email protected].
Again, we believe that you are so brave and that you have the strength to get yourself the help you need. We hope you value your story as much as we do. Please stay alive.
With Hope,
TWLOHA