'Stay strong and keep going': Ohio parents hope teen's final journal entry saves lives

[@travelinglight4656]

We need to stop making people feel ashamed for being suicidal. Stop blaming them, stop telling them they are selfish and listen. Suicide needs to be a part of conversations!

[@artbwoydarien3040]

You can barely talk about it on KZbin because your video will get age restricted. Why do people have to beat around the bush when talking about an issue that is literally destroying so many young lives?

[@evanablock]

Exactly! My granddaughter just went through the anniversary of losing her best friend - a fifth grader and 11 years old. So kind and sweet and lovely, but bullied and taunted - why do we continue to allow this to go on? What are families doing to their children that they hate other kids so much? This has been devastating to even our family, and I cannot imagine the pain of heartache her parents suffer daily (and her little brother 😓) We must figure this out and help people so they don't feel that taking their own life is the one and only answer. I'm grateful to this family for sharing their son's story, since trying to tell others is the only way of destigmatizing and possibly getting more supports for families who need it!​@@artbwoydarien3040

[@outdoorgal9602]

And stop taking away people's rights if they have depression or suicidal ideation at some point in their lives. People are afraid to get help because they don't want to lose their civil rights for seeking help.

[@yagerr4279]

What we do is societies accuse anyone that is suicidal of just wanting attention. And it’s sick. This world is obsessed with not having love and compassion. That’s why so many unalive themselves without telling a soul

[@FuriousEevee93]

@@outdoorgal9602💯‼️

[@lindagarcia8667]

My mom attempted suicide twice when I was a young girl. Depression is a debilitating hidden disease. By the grace of God she wasn’t successful. She lived until last March 1, 2024 and passed away at 88 yrs old of natural causes. May God give special blessings to this family as they share their son’s story and may his story touch someone else’s life .

[@kid-p7i]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@GooniesGirl]

All the bullet points he listed ring true for those of us battling depression. Depression tells you do many lies snd distorts reality. 😢 My heart goes out to his family. ❤

[@rosemoon_princess_kitty8723]

it tells you that you are a burden to everyone, when you are not. and it’s so hard to believe you’re not. 😞

[@ajtorres8352]

It's so true! Omg

[@mochimochi7669]

This is the hardest thing as someone who has depression and ideation. I am very loved and surrounded, but I feel so lonely and isolated anyway. I’m starting to realize this is just my life, I’ve tried so much to help. It’s hard…. God bless you and I pray we can all make it through this 😢♥️

[@MaureenOLeary-tz1kt]

@@mochimochi7669Do you know why you feel so lonely and isolated? Does it have anything to do with your childhood? I feel for you.

[@dz7a756]

Please know all those voices are lies designed to destroy your peace and joy. I know most people don't want to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but if you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, there's a Holy Spirit that can help take these thoughts away and replace it with God's truth. There's a true enemy in the world that wants you to believe these lies and, even worse, to operate out of them. Praying for peace of mind, joy, love, and truth to reign supreme in everyone's life. Be well and be at peace.

[@judygude]

Dear Family; I'm so sorry. I lost a nephew to suicide. Thank you for sharing your hearts and your story.

[@fever_spike]

So very sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻♥️

[@kid-p7i]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@Sapphire-r4g]

To anyone reading this, you are a beautiful person, inside and out. You are worthy of LOVE. You are so precious to someone in your life. Please don't give up. I love you ❤🙏

[@kerenkroll]

I needed that. Thanks.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

Thank you. ❤

[@sexysenior8934]

Thank you so much..

[@judithshorey2137]

❤️❤️

[@anglophils645]

Sapphire, you are a very nice person to say that to us all. ❤

[@lorriebirdwatcher7778]

Mental illness is a horrible disease! I'm a survivor thank God. Praying for this family!

[@courtneyfan9]

It is a condition and illness just as much as any other chronic illness or sickness

[@Tipperary757]

Comdolences to this family. Such a handsome young man with so much potential. Heartache.

[@ajtorres8352]

He was the all American boy! He was loved. You never know what people are going through. God bless him

[@veronporsche7091]

What do u mean all American boy? Don’t think you taught about that before saying it

[@staylucky4727]

@@veronporsche7091 oh piss off

[@CharliBucket]

​@@veronporsche7091she means he played sports and did basically what American kids do. Don't be so rude.

[@veronporsche7091]

@@CharliBucket I asked her. Not you . Your answer doesn’t mean the answer she will give. Grow up.

[@veronporsche7091]

@@CharliBucket wtf does playing sports have to do with being American . She said nothing that made clear sense. Too bad she can’t speak up for herself

[@peggyesquibel8353]

Deepest sympathy to this family. I can’t imagine the heartache. Thank you for sharing your son’s story. He/you will help so many others suffering with mental health issues.

[@kristinahauer740]

So sad you can tell the type of kid he was to care about others and to try to help with his story you can tell he had a good family!

[@JustChristianThings]

Wow from what I’ve seen I relate to everything he wrote down in that journal entry. “You feel empty, alone, a failure, one minute you feel happy, the next minute you’re sad, short tempered”

[@MsMeOhMy52]

Very sad feelings and thoughts. Take care your not alone❤

[@Jupiter-T]

Have you gotten diagnosed with depression?

[@consciousobserver629]

I could see his mother’s smile in his. Idk how they can even talk about such a loss and keep it together. Beyond comprehension.😢

[@marychapman6791]

I lost my son tragically on Jan 13Th, Of this year. He was 38. Life pressures and bad decisions were what took him. I never knew until it was too late… Please publish this it will save many lives.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Oh! love I'm so sorry. We all hide too well

[@HeARTFlowersSoul]

😢Hugs to you!

[@marychapman6791]

@@sylviacarlson3561 thank you

[@marychapman6791]

@@HeARTFlowersSoul thank you

[@dz7a756]

Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that it's something you wished you never had to go through. But thank you for stating a truth that many still don't want to admit...there are still life decisions to be made even in the midst of having mental illness. And like all of us, we can still make bad decisions. Does having mental illness not help when you have to make decisions? Definitely not, but it is not the cause for poor choices. Hoping this truth helps to set some people free when they're struggling. Sometimes you just have to be still and let a situation play out till you can get to the other side. It's not as bad as they think, but the lack of self-control makes things worse. My condolences to you and your family. May you find a true peace that you could have never expected through this tragedy. Be well and be at peace.

[@ritaadams8190]

Parents, thank you for sharing this heartfelt story.

[@georgiakritikos4955]

Ive NEVER LIED TO MY CHILDREN ABOUT ANYTHING, ❤ THE IMAGINARY IS HARD TO BEAT, ITS WHY GENERAL PATTON SAID "AS AMERICANS OUR BIGGEST ENEMY IS THE IMAGINARY ", "IN GOD WE TRUST " AMERICANS DAILY

[@dylanclinkenbeard3216]

Wow. These parents are so strong. They know this will help many others in need

[@xlPEPlx]

Heartbreaking to see the terrible things he said about himself in that letter. 😢

[@tinasmith7630]

Yes, I feel he may hav been bullied as a child n he said he didnt feel heard n hated himself.

[@gabrielbullard269]

“You believe becoming the person you want to be, at the best version of yourself is impossible.” That is the note that stood out to me the most

[@Vivtherizz]

The letter talks about alcohol. That’s a huge factor. So horrible for the family, thank you for sharing.

[@MsMeOhMy52]

Alcohol, is the worst. It amplifies depression. High school and social media don't help either. We are more Fragile than we care to admit ❤

[@gern5168]

​@@MsMeOhMy52 I would never want to be a teen in today's society. School and teens and even younger than teens anymore are brutal! And for the most part, it seems like schools don't want to do anything about it, they would rather turn a blind eye.

[@jazzylev]

@@gern5168 can confirm as someone who just left their teens (20 yo): being a teen these days is absolutely and utterly soul-crushing.

[@jenny5309-k3j]

It's too bad he couldn't take his own advice. But I understand. I've been dealing with depression for over 30 years. I've accepted the fact that I'll never be happy. I'm so sorry for his family and friends.

[@mar25947]

But what is “happy”? Should it be experienced individually or collectively? Does it matter? 😂

[@dz7a756]

None of us are happy all the time, but you can have peace that surpasses all comprehension...even in the bad times. Praying you will know what this means one day soon. Be well and be at peace.

[@LowSlungBadBitch]

@@dz7a756 where did they say that they want to be happy all the time? Depression doesn’t work like that as someone who used to have it. You don’t feel other emotions. Please educate yourself or say nothing bc this was a reductive comment.

[@enyonamagbemadzo8684]

@@mar25947what type of dense and tone deaf comment is this?

[@brianc6739]

There's only one way to true happiness. Through Jesus Christ. Will life still be tough? Yes. Will there still be trials? Yes. Jesus Christ is peace through the trials. John 16:33. Don't take my word for it. Find out for yourself.

[@TheLivingLife9]

It’s worse when people tell you to tell them the truth and how you feel, then when you do, and they tell you they don’t have time for you and to stop feeling sad

[@MsMeOhMy52]

i hear you. I wonder if you might try reaching out again, sometimes our brains need to time to absorb others feelings. Maybe talking to more than 1 person, the more people in your corner the better❤

[@brandyrazo9608]

It’s the people that allegedly love us the most who say that. Sad, isn’t it?

[@tuesdaytrothwell]

That and “you’re not depressed, you don’t have any reason to be. Stop being dramatic.”

[@ape8404]

Ya, it's a 21st century problem that 20th century boomers just don't understand. Such is the way of life. I will say though, a lot of the time, depression is just you being too much in your head and people from the outside can see that. That's why they say stuff like that because, while it might not be the best thing for you to hear, it's 100% true. It's a mental block you need to get over and sometimes, dumbing it down and simplifying it can help. It did for me. I still remember my mom telling me 2 words after a long conversation, which translated to English mean, "move your fucking ass". I got super upset in the moment, but it flicked a switch for me that tens of hours of understanding and therapeutic conversations failed to do. Sometimes, you just need to get over yourself. From experience, that's usually the case with depression.

[@snickerson3558]

Thank you parents for through your devastating loss and sharing your story will help so many

[@Chronically_JBoo]

I am a two time attempt survivor. You can have it ALL and STILL be depressed. I haven't been su*cidal in almost 10. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[@BlackGuitarist]

Damn this so sad, lost my dad this way, struggle with it myself and now that i have kids i stay scared they'll be affected also

[@MsMeOhMy52]

Stay strong, take care of yourself and your kids. I'm sure your dad is proud of you❤

[@debishaw9355]

I’m so so sorry for your great loss. What a sweet boy!

[@juliechartier8689]

Strong parent and brother to share this story and try to help spread the journal that Jonah left behind. Jonah sounded like such a gem but depression is real. It’s so hard to see because kids and adults can hide it. I worry that social media adds to depression. Prayers to everyone that knows this young man that died too soon.

[@yellowblanka6058]

Social media is a HUGE contributor to anxiety and depression, particularly among Gen-Z. People are constantly comparing their lives to influencers, teens are ruthlessly cyber-bullying other teens etc.

[@janewasson4845]

Prayers for the family.

[@davidgable9830]

Prayers.. I will leave a light on for you...😢

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

What a truly kind-hearted young man he was. Thinking of helping others even when he was at this lowest point. I feel for this family from the depths of my soul. Their loss is immeasurable. 😢

[@summerlavey6091]

Such a sweet soul gone. Please keep going

[@jeffreybroge9002]

So Sorry for your Loss

[@earthn1447]

This sounds just like my friend - she said what helped her was so simple - calcium citrate, magnesium and zinc. Hormonal chaos can manifest like this; given our soils have been stripped of essential minerals we don’t get what we need. It is so easy to take supplements and the results become apparent in days to a few weeks.

[@thisorthat7626]

Your friend is correct! Vitamins and minerals will definitely help restore the balance of neurotransmitters! Most people suffering from depression are low on GABA and/or serotonin. Doctors don't check diets or prescribe vitamins and minerals in most cases. We need to look at diet as the first part of the solution.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

So very true. And it’s MUCH more important to look for potential hormonal/nutrient deficiency FIRST rather than putting someone on psych drugs- which are dangerous. Being supported is so important. Doctors DO NOT do what is needed. So do not rely on them to have a patient’s best interest at heart.

[@organicliving4211]

YES!!!! So true!

[@SharkyJ40]

@@sonofhibbs4425 sadly these parents didn’t realize any of that and weren’t able to help their son. You are so right.

[@rebeccaoprea9917]

I’m a very hormonal and sensitive person to begin with, I had major depression and anxiety, or so I thought. Looking back, any and all forms of birth control through a wrench in my hormones and I felt like I was going crazy. Ladies please look into it.

[@stevemaloney3453]

May he rest in peace! 🙏🏽

[@maestra_mia]

Wow, this is so brave of Jonah and the family. The conversations that this will enable will be Jonah’s greatest legacy. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you for sharing your heart, Jonah.

[@matthewsuleski6565]

Indeed

[@SandZAcademy]

So sad. My condolences to his family. Thank you for honoring his wishes and sharing his story. This will help parents know what to look for.

[@theskiesthelimit-q2k]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@Minidoppler]

😢 His last line showed he had hope for his loved ones, I'm at a loss of understanding how this illness makes it impossible for the sufferers to have the same hope for themselves, to keep strong and keep going. I feel for the friends and family, may they celebrate his life and accept his last words and continue as he wished for them. What strength to make it their mission to attempt to save other lives. 💜

[@AKASHROY-i9f]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Jupiter-T]

When you have depression you feel like the sole exception to a rule like "everyone matters" or "it can get better for anyone". It feels so deeply false to see it applying to you too, even if you logically believe those things.

[@TheInnerPact]

It seems he was highly intelligent. RIP Beautiful soul Jonas 🕊️

[@miekaxiii]

What a handsome kid. I’ve been there before. Life is a lot of pressure. It’s important we talk about theses things. I wish he knew how strong he truly was. I hope his msg helps others out there struggling ❤ my condolences to the family 😢

[@kristineholcroft9163]

All my deepest sympathy to his family my heart breaks for them

[@USA1stLAST]

Such a handsome young man. A devastating loss to all of us❤

[@MykianaRichards]

I’m so sorry for your loss :(

[@EmmaBurke-v8o]

Just because they look happy, doesnt mean the signs aren’t there. Im praying for this family and send them all my love. Thats a rough thing to go through. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, and I love how at the end of his journal he was basically saying how he doesn’t want others to go through what he did and he was trying to help. May he rest in peace. God bless you all. 💕

[@kellyford5903]

Condolences and love ‘n prayers to Family ‘n Friends 💕🙏💕

[@adrianam1009]

Deepest condolences to this family and eternal gratitude for sharing this story to prevent and alert more people. I am battling for depression and YES there is hope.Keep going, United we can.

[@basbleupeaunoire]

This is an illness. I'm so sorry for this kid and his family. I'm middle-aged, and I can see how we've progressed as a society. But we still have a ways to go in understanding and treating depression. And our healthcare system is such a mess that getting help can be easier said than done.

[@loribaker8339]

I'm so sorry you lost Jonah. You were so involved and showed him so much love and care, but the wicked disease of depression ruled over everything that was good for you incredible, handsome son. My deepest condolences.

[@Mark-i3p2e]

How very sad. Bless this family and they should be commended for sharing this and his journal. It could really help others who feel helpless.

[@MassageDiaries]

😢sorry, 4 ur loss

[@Andbygrace7024]

Deeply sorry for your loss.....thank you for the journal.

[@SheliaRPierre]

We never know what people are going through. I'm so sorry he lost hope. May Jonah have peace now. My condolences to his family and friends. I hv been in a dark place...but not to harm myself. It's a place I NEVER want to be in again.

[@sheilaghburchart3513]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@judyjetson686]

My brother also lost his life to this. I feel for the family. You will never be the same. The light will always be gone. The anniversary of his death was 2 Days ago 25 years ago and the entire week has been awful. I was 18 and he was 21 at the time. You stop thinking about it, but something inside you dies and it never comes back. It wreaks havoc on your mental health as well. The trauma does a lot of damage. Good luck to you. At least you seem like a happy family and you have each other.

[@MsMeOhMy52]

I am sorry to hear about this tragedy and your loss. Your still quite young, I hope you can find some moments of joy in your life, your not alone❤

[@suzzannelemarier3350]

So sorry. My condolences to the family

[@miavega8888]

This breaks my heart! I am so sorry for your loss! 😢

[@devoted1ify]

I am so sorry. Prayers for your family and friends.

[@angelpegasus327]

My heart goes out to this family and his friends. Suicide is a terrible way to die. It effects everyone who loves them so much. Please get help if you are feeling lost.

[@jizzlordthecat]

I’m so sorry for your guys’ loss. Jonah sounded like a really amazing person-and you guys as parents are a testament to that. I hope you guys find healing. Rest easy man.

[@jennifervallecillo2133]

This is so sad. I send my condolences to the family.

[@FamilyMatterswithAmber]

My heart is with you....😔 I am so sorry your son, Jonah, suffered so much and eventually succeeded in taking his life 😢💔. My heart breaks for your loss. As a parent of a son who also suffers from depression, it's a scary road (day to day). No matter how many times we say we love them, or how wonderful we tell them they are, it's heartbreaking when their condition prevents them from believing it about themselves. I can tell how much your family loved Jonah, and it sounds like you all have worked so hard to be with him, help him, and support him. I'm grateful for your courage and strength during your time of grief to carry out his wishes and together with Jonah, use his story to raise more awareness and maybe help others. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family. ❤ Thank to this news station for giving you the platform to do so, and with compassion. ❤

[@jaydenvaughn6976]

My heartfelt condolences ❤😢🙏🏼

[@greenbyrd3665]

So very sorry you felt you just couldn't hold on any longer, beautiful boy. Peace and comfort to his family.

[@shastajustice3753]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing you son's story. The brother's loss is huge too.

[@fallingforyoudarlingASMR]

May he rest in peace 🩵😞

[@tpenquin.]

I’m so sorry for your loss! People need to know depression is a disease! ❤

[@christinegammel3644]

Praying for you guys. Jonah is going to help so many people

[@lindachasingbear3510]

Prayers for his family 🙏🏽

[@sarahcarter7745]

My ❤ and prayers go out to you. Thank you so much for sharing his story.

[@SusanLeslie-k5i]

God bless his parents and family. Comfort them in the days ahead ❤❤❤❤

[@shannonphillips3717]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@CindyMay-d4w]

Omg, i say and feel all of those very same things about myself. I am 69 years old and have (thank God) only tried to take my life once. I actually felt like a failure because I couldn't even do that right! I am doing better right now, and not suicidal...but do look forward to my life being over so that i can move on to a better "life". I guess we all battle a demon.

[@raymondcorona5541]

So beautiful nice soul this guy had!!! Can't believe he was going through so much .May God giving the peace & love in heaven 😊

[@foxyladyoak]

I’m so sorry for this family!

[@manny9406]

Wow what a story 😮

[@jonasluva456]

i’m so sorry for your loss. I can relate to this so much. He is so beautiful and so is your family God bless you all. ❤❤️‍🩹

[@stampinggrannieboyd9170]

Praying for your family. I know too many who choose this. ❤

[@kathycourter]

I am so very sorry for your loss

[@Elle_kp]

Heartbreaking. From the outside, he looked like he had it all but was just as broken as many of us. I’m so sorry he couldn’t overcome that feeling, he was too young. RIP

[@Meah-r4x]

Stay strong and keep going -Jonah Habedank. It's so real out here, because you can have a loving family: brother, mother, and father, and still be unhappy and miserable. This young man looked like he was a beautiful person. I know what it is like, too, to not want to live, and I needed to go to the hospital for it a few times.

[@HopeHalligan-x6m]

Please publish his journal. Very sorry for your loss.

[@AmandaPate-h9t]

I am crying so sorry for your loss

[@rutha1464]

RIP beautiful boy. I pray God has granted you joy and peace in His eternal kingdom.

[@Sunnybrook-69]

My fiance is sitting in prison now after I spent four years, following a traumatic brain injury, to get him professional help and couldn't find any one or any hospital that c/would take him. The US has more people self medicating to compensate for a lack of mental health help. It is so very sad. We all need to do better for these people who are suffering in silence. 😢❤ RIP

[@NicoleJones-o6q]

I have fought depression for many many years. I can’t imagine my kids going through it. I guess I’m so used to being depressed that it’s part of who I am. This is so sad. People who don’t suffer from it don’t fully understand what it feels like.

[@debradavis9589]

My condolences to family and friends of this young man RIP ❤

[@ape8404]

My heart goes out to the parents and the family, it's truly a tragedy. Having said that, let's be real. We NEED to support our kids more. I say this as someone without kids, but I've gotten to a point in my life where I have a lucrative career and a partner that I want to marry and have kids with. And yet, I keep putting it off because frankly, it scares the shit out of me. Kids have it hard these days. I know us adults love to gloat about how we "walked 10 miles up hill to get to school, and another 10 miles up hill to get back home" lol. But to be honest, that shit was easy, simple, and straight up healthy. Kids today are so confused... they deal with shit like social media, school shootings, brain rot, all time high social pressures, etc. It's a lot. As a disciplined adult, I barely get by without developing a social media addiction or falling for all the other addictive shit in today's society. Kids need out support. They actually need us to use our brains and think critically about their lives and how we can help them as parents. Just showing your perspective of "love" isn't enough. Honestly, saying "he just didn't see it" is a shitty thing to say and borderline blaming. Perhaps, you as a parent, just didn't teach/show it to him.

[@1summerflower]

So sorry for you loss! Prayers and thoughts for peace comfort and healing! If he was on pharmaceuticals that may be something to look into.

[@Girlwithapurse03]

Guys the human experience entails all of that. A lot of things can attribute to things.. specially hormone imbalances and the lack of introducing yourself to new things and experiences that can light that fire under you. I go thru those feelings too. Just know that is normal.. normal means that it happens often to everyone, also people.. we need to be there for others.. try to bond with them.. it can save lives ❤

[@halleykunen1088]

What a spot-on comment. 🙏

[@DB-yi7yd]

So sorry! Your son was special, worrying about others till the end!❤❤

[@okyesn6139]

Very sorry for Jonah. He needed to be affirmed and heard.

[@kid-p7i]

Sorry for everybody's loss if Jonah. You're all truly amazing out there.

[@ErikaPDN]

Rest in peace beautiful soul 🙏❤️

[@rosiewhitfield123]

These parents and brother never saw this coming at all. Jonah struggled internally and he wasn’t able to make it through the depression he sadly developed. Not every case is ever the same. Sometimes the brutality of dealing with mental illnesses is just way too much for the individuals who have these issues. May Jonah’s soul be at peace from the torment of his mental health issues 💔💔💔 so young he was 😢😢

[@lilalmondeyes]

We need to build a better world. Love to him and all who loved him ❤

[@Maya_Papaya26]

I really hope that we all continue to be more open minded about mental health, especially for kids because growing up can be very hard. You may never know what someone is going through. Thank you for sharing this story 💜

[@kkrenken895]

What a beautiful smile. ❤

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

Rest in peace Jonas. Your journal is a beautiful legacy.

[@Theendofeverything7036]

Has anyone STOP TO THINK WHY OUR YOUTH ARE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION??? Has anyone truly sat down and thought about what the hell our country is doing to our youth to make them feel the way they do?! America has a major problem in it’s taking a toll on our populations’ mental health.

[@MsMeOhMy52]

It is awful. There are many issues that pile up on top of each other till we have a mountain. All us silly humans can do is try our best to listen and take care of each other❤

[@rmrita55]

Prayers and love

[@khatzeye]

This is real and many do get. It truly doesn’t matter what people say, nothing can convince you otherwise. It’s tough.

[@allison471]

So very sorry for this beautiful family. May Jonah rest in peace 🙏