“I had to fight the voices inside myself, saying no, I am supposed to be here,”: Survivor shares story of overcoming mental health struggles at fundraiser

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Shatter Our Silence hosted its 9th annual fundraiser to break the silence of young adult suicide. 

“I had to fight the voices inside myself, saying no, I am supposed to be here,” shared survivor Kirsten Edmunds. 

Among the attendees was Edmunds, who had thoughts of ending it all. At 16, Edmunds developed an eating disorder at 16. By the age of 20, she had gone through several treatment centers.

“It’s a struggle, not wanting to look in the mirror and not wanting to know a certain number, wanting to feel and look a certain way. It’s the hardest struggle in the world to overcome,” explained Edmunds. 

Hundreds of people at the fundraisers were there to raise awareness and to help others who may also be struggling mentally. 

“I didn’t want to live, I didn’t want to be here, I had another voice in my head telling me that I don’t belong here,” said Edmunds.

The proceeds from the dinner go towards Shatter Our Silence. Founder Kevin Polkey said he wants everyone to walk away with the experience of being here.

“It’s this ripple effect that we’re hoping for by having experience by being involved by inviting people to be involved to learn more, then we never know when someone may need you to be able to help,” said Polkey.

Polkey said a month from now, they will already be planning for their 10th annual dinner and fundraiser.