Kaitlin Brand, Teen, Makes Suicide Prevention Tribute After Mom's Death (VIDEO)

Kaitlin Brand wants you to know life gets better.

The 16-year-old Michigan teen lost her mother to suicide a few weeks ago. On Oct. 24, days before her sixteenth birthday, Brand took to the web to share her story.

She had one request for those struggling with suicidal thoughts: Get help.

Brand's mother battled with depression for about a year after receiving several surgeries, Grand Rapids' WZZM reports. A reporter sat down with the teen as she recalled finding her mother's body hanging in the woods.

"I felt like I was in a movie or something, because it didn't seem like it was really happening," she told the station.

"You're probably wondering why I'm smiling instead of crying," she states in the video. "It's because my mom would want me to be happy."

Brand said her tribute was meant to let others know they help is always available.

The video contains a simple, touching message in its description: "self explanatory. i love and miss you mom."

(Video found via Cafe Mom's The Stir)

Comments

[mikes322]

10:54 PM on 12/02/2011

I absolutely love this girl and I want to meet her. So inspirational

[whirlybird]

10:45 AM on 11/17/2011

Dear Kait,

I was 21 when my Mom chose that route. Am 50 now, writing you with tears coming down my face. Don't be afraid to cry when the time comes. And it will come now and then for a long time. It's healthy. Peace be with you. Your video was beautiful.

[country girl15]

01:31 PM on 11/13/2011

Hi Kaitlin,
I watched your video and let me just say your amazing and an inspiration to others.I know your mom is watching over you and she is Smiling at Your courage and strength. I wish you much happiness in your life Kaitlin and i know you will find just the right person one day to share your life with. You have so much strength and spirit its awesome. God Bless You kaitlin as you go through lifes journeys and always know there are lots and lots of people who are wishing you nothing but happinesss and Joy.
God Bless

[Michelle Weaver OBrien]

07:39 PM on 11/12/2011

You are a beautiful young woman with such a big heart! You are right, life can get better, with time.....I have had close friends that took there life.......I guess we never understand 'why'....buy what you posted hopefully will help someone!! In our hearts and prayers!!

[debrarichardi]

10:14 AM on 11/12/2011

Dear Kaitlin,
Your are so beautiful inside & out! Your video was amazing! I couldn't keep the tears back, they were tears of joy! You are an inspiration to a lot of people. I know your mother is watching over you sweetheart with so much pride & joy! God Bless you! You will always have a place in my heart!!

[Cindy Noel]

11:27 PM on 11/11/2011

This is so beautiful. it makes me lucky to still have my mother with me and i'm thankful for her even thought she can get on my nerves :P i will always still love her and good luck kaitlin we love you :) ♥

[Martha Riddle]

10:33 PM on 11/11/2011

Kaitlin inspires me. My father committed suicide (almost 29 years ago) and I don't know that I could do a video like this, even now. I am so happy for Kaitlin to understand there is no stigma attached to her. This was her mom's decision to end the pain, and she didn't want to burden anyone else with her depression. Thank you, Kaitlin. You are wise far beyond your years.

[whirlybird]

10:46 AM on 11/17/2011

Thanks, Martha, for a great post. Peace be with you.

[thundercat505]

09:41 PM on 11/11/2011

yes honey, life gets better!! as the old saying goes, time heals all so just give it time and don't act rashly and do something foolish. your mother should have gotten help but like others before her she didn't realize that she needed the help or she didn't know where to turn to get it. make sure that you don't follow in her footsteps because it would be a waste for a beauty like you to do so. take one day at a time and recognize the symptoms that drove your mother to do such a thing. keep a positive attitude on life and take care of yourself. there are many of us who have gone thru things that have made us contemplate harm to ourselves but we managed to muddle our way thru it with or without help in many cases. life goes on and the longer it goes the easier and better things get. enjoy the time you have on earth and don't try to cut it shorter than what it is.

[liftaway65]

09:32 PM on 11/11/2011

God bless you sweetie. I will pray you can forever keep your beautiful smile on your pretty face--yes, for you and you mom...

[tlcangel]

08:54 PM on 11/11/2011

Kait that was the most touching video I believe I have ever seen. I know your mom is watching over you, and has a HUGE, PROUD smile on her face to have a beautiful young lady like yourself for her daughter.

[IzzyNoona]

08:33 PM on 11/11/2011

Kaitlin, I am very inspired by your tribute to your mother. I am so sorry for your loss. You have a heart of GOLD. I pray that God continues to shower you with his blessings and may He continue to bless you with strength, happiness, peace, and love. I also pray for those who are struggling with depression. Hopefully Kaitlin's message helped those who are suffering in any sort of way. I am sure it will. Your smile alone is healing to the soul. Your friends know you very well, because you are strong, and you are right, life does get better! I lost my dearest father, he died suddenly in his sleep, (of a heart attack), although it isn't the same, I know the feeling of losing someone you love with all your heart. I know your mom is proud and pray that God rests her soul. Life is only what we choose to make it. "Fear is met and destroyed with courage. Again and again when the struggle seems hopeless and all opportunity lost, the one with alittle more courage, and a little more effort will have victory." By James F. Bell. Life is short. Focus from this day forward on making a difference. And I LOVE YOU TOO! :) Keep smiling my love!

[nanarina]

08:23 PM on 11/11/2011

What a beautiful young lady. I am very impressed by the way she put her message by writing it on short notes. It caught my attention and made more of an impact than if someone talking. Life goes on and I think Kaitlikn will go far. I wish you much happiness in your life.

[jonsview2]

08:14 PM on 11/11/2011

Depression is a very serious condition--so serious that this mother chose death instead of continuing life with her wonderful daughter. Kaitlin is genuine and it's obvious she isn't trying to fool herself. She has strength, maturity and the ability to deal with adversity, yet still have the characteristics of a teenage girl. Her mother saw this and knew Kaitlin would thrive and survive. Treatment may have helped Kaitlin's mother deal with certain personal issues, but if someone isn't at peace, it's just a treatment. Kaitlin isn't just remaining "happy" for the sake of it; she has joy, a purpose and a mission.

[Irene Rubaum-Keller]

08:10 PM on 11/11/2011

For Kaitlin if she needs it as she grows http://www.motherlessdaughtersbiz.com/. From those of us who have been there and continue to grieve. So sorry for your loss Kaitlin.

[bhend]

08:06 PM on 11/11/2011

What a beautiful tribute to a mom I'm sure loved you dearly! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.