Queer Eye star Karamo Brown survived a suicide attempt and wants to use both his experience and his platform to minister to others considering taking their lives.
On Thursday, the culture guru revealed he attempted suicide over a decade ago in a video posted on his Instagram account.
"Hey friends, so I decided to do a quick little video about the fact that I shared that today in 2006, I did attempt … suicide," Brown said.
The father of two credited his friends with saving his life.
“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,” Brown 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.”
Brown was a social worker before his role on the show and said while his professional mental health advocacy provides the foundation for his work, it is his personal experience that truly helps him connect with those struggling with mental illness.
"I want you all to know that as you see me on Queer Eye helping people with their mental health, and you see me on my social media helping people, it’s because it’s important to me," he said. "Not just because I'm trained in this field, but because I know so many of us suffer from mental health issues, and we just don't know where to turn, and every day seems darker and darker."
The video ends with the host encouraging his suffering fans to seek help and others to help their friends.
"I want you to know that things do get better. If you get help and you do the work daily, your life can change. I'm living proof of that," he said. "And if you know someone in your life who is going through it, reach out to them. You could be their support."
Watch the full video below:
Now, check these out:
9-Year-Old Takes His Life After Being Bullied For Coming Out As Gay At School
New Report Reveals Young Black Children Commit Suicide At Twice The Rate Of White Children
