From Pain to Purpose
Ending the Cycle of Silence
One Conversation Can Save a Life
"What would you do differently today if you knew someone in your inner circle would take their life in 12 months?"
After losing my 17-year-old sister Mary to suicide, I’ve devoted my life to helping others recognize the warning signs and reach out before it’s too late. A simple check-in with someone around you could be the act that saves a life.
Over
49,000
People died by suicide in 2023
1
Death Every
11
Minutes
12.8
MILLION
Seriously thought about suicide
3.7
MILLION
Made a plan for suicide
1.5
MILLION
Attempted suicide
About Matt
I’m Matt Zirkle,
Author, Speaker, and Advocate - committed to using my personal experiences of loss and resilience to inspire kindness, inclusion, and hope. My journey began with a tragedy that changed my life forever.
When I lost my 17-year-old sister Mary to suicide, I found myself navigating a long road of grief, mental health struggles, bullying awareness, and healing. But Mary’s story doesn’t end with her passing; it lives on in every life we touch, every conversation we begin, and every person who learns to reach out.
Today, I share my story to help others find their way through life’s hardest moments and to remind everyone that even the smallest act of kindness can change the course of someone’s life. My mission is simple: to ensure no one has to suffer in silence.
My Current Mission
Speaking to schools, organizations, and communities about the lifelong impact of bullying, healing from grief, building resilience, and the transformative power of kindness.
Speaking & Advocacy Services
Every speaking engagement is an opportunity to save a life. I bring authentic storytelling and practical tools to help audiences recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations, and build resilient communities.
Podcasts & Media
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Guest appearances on mental health podcasts
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Media segments on bullying awareness Authentic
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Storytelling for broader reach.
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Available for remote or in person.
Perfect for: Podcast hosts, radio hosts, media outlets seeking authentic voices on mental health topics
Schools & Educational Institutions
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Student assemblies on bullying prevention.
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Teacher training workshops on warning signs
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Parent workshops on teen mental health
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Educational staff development programs
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Wellness and inclusion campaigns
Perfect for: K-12 schools, colleges, universities, educational conferences
Teen & Youth Programs
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Youth group presentations
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Summer camp wellness programs
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Recognition of warning signs in friends
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How to start life-saving conversations
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Living with life's biggest challenges
Perfect for: Youth groups, community centers, religious organizations, teen programs
10,500+
LinkedIn followers who connect with authentic storytelling about mental health, grief, and the importance of checking in on others.
Key Speaking Topics
"Ending the Cycle of Silence"
How one conversation can break through isolation and save a life
"From Pain to Purpose"
Transforming personal tragedy into meaningful advocacy and healing
"The Warning Signs We Miss"
"Building Resilient Communities"
Recognizing when someone is struggling and how to respond with care
Creating environments where kindness thrives and everyone belongs
My Upcoming Book
One story has the power to change a life and I’m writing mine now. In this book, I share my journey from the devastating loss of my sister Mary to discovering purpose through advocacy and speaking.
With raw, honest storytelling, I explore the lessons I’ve learned about grief, resilience, and the transformative power of reaching out to others. This isn’t just my story, it’s a roadmap for anyone ready to turn their pain into purpose.
What You'll Discover:
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How to recognize warning signs in loved ones
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Practical ways to start difficult conversations
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Healing strategies for those who've lost someone to suicide
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Building resilience through community and connection
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Transforming personal tragedy into meaningful advocacy
Coming Soon
Be the first to know when my book launches
Perfect for book clubs, discussion groups, and anyone seeking hope after loss
Mary's Legacy
My sister Mary was wise beyond her 17 years. Though her life ended prematurely, her legacy lives on through every conversation started, every life saved, and every person who learns to reach out.
Remembering Mary
Mary was the kind of person who would have been my rock through every challenge life threw my way. She would have helped me navigate my divorce, supported me when I became permanently disabled at 37, and comforted me when we lost our mom to cancer.
Instead, I feel her absence in these moments. But I also feel her presence in every life we touch through this work. Mary's story doesn't end with her death; it continues through our mission to ensure no one suffers in silence.
"It's not even about how she passed anymore - I just miss her. Don't wait for tragedy to reach out to the people in your life."
How Mary's Memory Lives On
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Every speaking engagement in her honor
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Each person who learns to recognize warning signs
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Every difficult conversation that saves a life
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Communities built on kindness and inclusion
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Young people who find hope in our message
Ways to Honor Mary
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Reach out to someone you're thinking about
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Start a conversation about mental health
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Support suicide prevention organizations
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Share resources with your community
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Be the person someone can talk to
"What would you do differently today if you knew someone in your inner circle would take their life in 12 months?"
Resources & Support
Knowledge saves lives. Here are essential resources for teens, families, educators, and anyone who wants to make a difference.
Warning Signs
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Talking about wanting to die
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Feeling hopeless or trapped
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Withdrawal from friends/family
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Dramatic mood changes
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Giving away possessions
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Increased substance use
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Sleeping too much or too little
Crisis Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Teen Line
1-800-852-8336
How to Help
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Ask directly: "Are you thinking of suicide?"
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Listen without judgment
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Stay with them or get help
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Remove means of self-harm
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Connect them to professional help
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Follow up regularly
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Take care of yourself too
Conversation Starters That Save Lives
Simple Check-Ins
"Just thinking about you"
"How've you been lately?"
"I miss our talks, can we catch up soon?"
"I noticed you seem down, want to talk?"
Deeper Conversations
"I care about you and I'm worried"
"You're important to me"
"I'm here to listen, no judgment"
"Let's figure this out together"
Free Downloadable Resources
Parent Guide
Talking to Teens About
Mental Health
Educator Toolkit
Classroom resources and training
Teen Resource Guide
Wallet-sized help guide
Organization Guide
Implementing Mental
Health Programs
Disclaimer
This website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Matt Zirkle and publisher of this website disclaim any liability for the use or misuse of the information contained on this website.
10,500+
LinkedIn Followers
1000+
Lives Impacted
25+
Schools Reached
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Whether you're booking a speaking engagement, seeking resources, or want to collaborate on mental health initiatives, I'm here to help build safer, more resilient communities together.
Speaking Engagement Types
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Podcasts
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Panel discussions
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Community events
Response Time
I personally respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours.
For urgent matters regarding someone in crisis, please contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.