I Had Suicidal Thoughts But I Survived: A Talk With My Dad

In the premiere episode of CapacityConvos, therapist and capacity expert RaQuel sits down with her very first guest, her dad, for a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about mental health, faith, family, and what it really means to have capacity.Together, they explore the difference between mental health and mental illness, generational beliefs about therapy and discipline, growing up with limited resources, the role of church and hope, surviving dark seasons, and the importance of giving people their flowers while they are still here. RaQuel’s dad shares openly about his own mental health struggles, the resilience that carried him through, and what makes him most proud of his daughter today.This conversation is honest, reflective, and grounding, offering perspective across generations while reminding us that capacity is not about perfection but about persistence, support, and hope.What we cover :Mental health vs mental illness and challenging the idea that medication is the only answerGrowing up with scarcity, faith, and the power of hopeCandid discussion of suicidal thoughts and choosing to keep goingParenting, identity, and being more than one rolePublic criticism, empathy, and telling hard truths with loveLegacy, gratitude, and giving people their flowers nowGuestRaQuel’s dadVeteran, straight shooter, and devoted to family, faith, and honestyContent noteThis episode includes candid discussion of suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For other countries, please check local resources.Follow RaQuel on Instagram: @raquel_the_capacity_expertSubscribe on YouTube: @capacityconvosJoin the newsletter: newsletter Subscribe, rate, and share CapacityConvos