S2 Ep. 09 | From suicide attempt to self-acceptance: Candice's mental health journey & finding her purpose | Part 1

In today's deeply personal and powerful episode of The Studio Podcast, we sit down with Candice Hayes to have an honest, compassionate conversation about suicide, mental health, and what it really looks like to rebuild your life after your darkest moments.

 

At just 17 years old, Candice survived a suicide attempt that nearly took her life. What followed was years of navigating depression, anxiety, and misdiagnosis. In this conversation, she shares what that journey looked like; from early mental health struggles to treatment experiences, motherhood, and ultimately redefining her life's purpose.

 

This episode is raw, real, and rooted in hope. It's all about removing stigma, normalizing mental health support, and reminding anyone listening that they are never alone in what they're facing.

 

• The emotional aftermath of surviving a suicide attempt.

• Being misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety as a teen

• Receiving a Bipolar II Disorder diagnosis and what that meant

• Navigating mental health while raising children• What support systems look like during depressive episodes

• Treatment options including medication, TMS, ketamine, and ECT

• Advocating for your own mental health care

• Why sharing your story can help others feel less alone

• Redefining purpose after trauma and survival

 

Resources for you

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text: 988 Website: https://988lifeline.org

Available 24/7, free, and confidential. Call, text, or use chat via the website.

 

Crisis Text Line Text: HOME to 741741 Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

Free, 24/7 support via text with a trained crisis counselor.

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline Phone: 1-800-950-6264 Text: 62640 Website: https://www.nami.org/help

Mental health support, education, and resource navigation (not a crisis line, but helpful for ongoing support).