On July 4, 2022, an unexpected tragedy struck when a woman lost her mother to suicide, sparking a profound journey of grief and self-discovery.
In the wake of this loss, she found solace in nature, driving to a nearby lighthouse and observing a sunrise after a long night filled with police conversations and unbearable sorrow.
The contrasting beauty of that morning, marked by golden hues in the sky and the serene sounds of the ocean, highlighted a fundamental truth: life does not halt in the face of tragedy.
Today, nearly two years later, she has taken on a new challenge: training for the Boston Marathon to honor her mother and to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Initially, she was not a marathon runner, but in the early phases of her grief, short runs became a source of comfort, as she struggled to go even a mile without stopping.
Running allowed her a chance to be alone, process her thoughts, and feel a connection with her mother, even imagining their conversations.
As her training progressed, she increased her distance, discovering that running was about more than just racing; it became a key part of her healing journey.
The marathon symbolizes more than distance for her; it represents an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and the inherent strength that lies within each individual.
Despite being one of the leading causes of death in the United States, suicide remains a topic heavily shrouded in silence and stigma.
Through her personal experiences with her mother’s mental health struggles, she knows firsthand the importance of discussing these issues openly.
At ten years old, she became an unlikely guardian, interrupting one of her mother’s suicide attempts; her young age did not prevent her from seeking help by calling a crisis hotline.
The continuous cycle of relocating cities and changing schools, driven by her mother’s struggle with depression and the stigma surrounding it, painted a picture of a life marked by shame and secrecy.
In moments of despair, her mother believed that starting anew in a different city would protect them from judgment, thus uprooting their lives time and again.
Despite the adventures they attempted to perceive in these moves, the underlying pressure of mental health challenges remained a constant burden for both mother and daughter.
Massachusetts, the state where she grew up, has made strides in mental health policy, but she acknowledges there’s still a significant journey ahead.
Recent efforts have strengthened crisis intervention and expanded school services, yet many face barriers when trying to access timely and effective care.
Burnout within the mental health workforce leads to shortages, resulting in limited access to necessary support.
Emergency rooms, often the first stop for those facing acute mental health crises, are ill-equipped for long-term treatment.
The stigma around mental health continues to be a significant hurdle, silencing many who suffer in fear of being judged.
As she embarks on her marathon journey, she does so in Boston, a city known for resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
For her, running stands as a symbol of survival, a space to reconnect with her mother and process her ongoing grief, helping her understand that true resilience comes from moving through pain rather than avoiding it.
Endurance has parallels in both running and in dealing with loss; one learns to keep going even as fatigue threatens to overwhelm.
Her running journey has also led to newfound empowerment, as she embraces her own life narrative for the first time, stepping out from the shadows of her mother’s story and her childhood experiences.
Stigma had held her back, making her feel that her struggles were burdensome and that vulnerability was something to be avoided.
Now, through her preparation for the marathon in support of suicide prevention, she aims to transform her narrative into a message of hope and resilience.
Talking about her reasons for running serves as a deep tribute to her mother while simultaneously allowing her to embrace her authentic self.
In publicly sharing her journey, she is learning that vulnerability fosters acceptance and love—not despite the struggles, but because of them.
By conveying her truth, she has found community and connection in recognition of shared experiences, emphasizing the importance of openness and authenticity in the context of mental health.
For those in crisis, she urges them or anyone they know to reach out for help, referencing resources such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or texting HOME to 741741.
Her marathon is not simply a race; it is a powerful declaration of life, healing, and the essential need for open dialogue about mental health.
image source from：https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2025/04/16/boston-marathon-suicide-awareness-erika-mcmahon
