Emma Benoit was a varsity cheerleader with supportive friends and family in her Louisiana hometown. Because she was secretly suffering from anxiety and depression, no one around her knew she was planning her suicide. She attempted suicide at 16 years old, in 2017, the summer before her senior year of high school. Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Fortunately, she is one of the few lucky ones who has lived to tell her story about it.
By Emma Benoit, as told to Stacey Feintuch
Now 22, she’s using her experience and recovery to spread mental health awareness and help prevent suicide. Emma made a 90-minute documentary, The Ascension, which was released in 2021 and chronicles her recovery journey and advocacy work, while addressing the youth suicide epidemic.
Second chance
“Not many people get a second unique opportunity to talk about this taboo topic,” she says. “It’s something that in today’s society is stigmatized and looked down upon. They brush it off to the side. The reality is it’s the worst thing we can be doing when it comes to our mental health. I had an extreme wake-up call and want to share this experience to help people.”
She has been screening her film to middle schoolers and high schoolers around the country. Screenings are followed by question-and-answer sessions. “The best thing I tell people is ‘You are not alone,’” she says. “When you’re going through something in a moment of crisis, you may feel like you’re the only one going through that. You feel like you’re a burden. But it’s just your brain lying to you.”
Resources
She makes the analogy that you call 911 for medical emergencies. Mental health issues should be treated with the same sense of urgency. “It’s easy to feel shame and guilt for feelings that have no evidence of physical pain,” she says. “It’s easy to question and beat yourself up. I encourage a new perspective and understanding.”
If you need help, help is out there. Jot these numbers down!
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s new 988 number launched in July. Call or text 988 to speak with local, trained crisis counselors who can help you if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, a mental health crisis or any other emotional distress. You can also dial 988 if you’re worried someone may need crisis support.
Past thoughts
Emma feels she might have called the hotline if this easy-to-remember phone number existed when she was in crisis mode. While she had seen the organization’s 800 number, it was too long to remember in a crisis. “It would have been beneficial to have a three-digit number,” she says. “It’s a great resource that provides real-life support.”
On the personal front, life is going well for Emma. She has spent time in therapy for both her mental and physical health. Mentally, she’s learned to share what’s on her mind and be transparent. “I’ve stopped pushing everything down and keeping everything inside,” she says. She is open with her family and friends. “I have a really good toolbox to navigate through this.”
Physically, she’s made extensive strides. She’s regained nearly all her mobility and sensation. She uses a wheelchair for endurance, but also uses a walker and can drive unassisted.
Emma has clearly defined goals. She wants to continue screening her documentary as long as schools want her to show it to them. Other plans include writing a book and returning to school for a psychology or social work degree. “I plan to ride this train until the wheels fall off,” she says. “I want to keep sharing my story. I truly love getting to do this work. It’s so fulfilling for me. Helping others helps me.”