Man who attempted suicide shares his experience so others seek help
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - The caller on the other end of a 911 call made in September was frantic. That is because every second counted to say Steven Binko’s life.
"He doesn’t joke around about this stuff and I’m really scared. I really need an ambulance there now," said the caller.
Body camera video shows the raw moments of the 32-year-old’s third suicide attempt.
The Menomonee Falls resident was found at a Motel 8 in September. Moments after paramedics arrived, his life flashed before his eyes.
"I lost consciousness. I had to be intubated," said Binko. "I was found to be extremely tachycardiac. I was in neurological failure, respiratory failure and I had high liver toxicity."
Binko survived. Months later, he shared his story after finding a new sense of purpose.
"I felt, sort of, a responsibility to share it with people because not everybody lives to tell their story," said Binko.
Binko has battled with depression his entire life.
"I can honestly say that night I wanted to die. I did. I took three bottles of Tylenol. That’s a pretty serious commitment," said Binko.
Steven Binko
While Binko does not blame the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and limited resources played a big role in his downward spiral in mental health.
"I won’t say that COVID necessarily sparked what happened. But it definitely played a role in the fact that isolation is very difficult for a person with depression, anxiety," said Binko.
As Binko's depression lingers, so does the pandemic. That is why the local entertainer hopes to continue the conversation surrounding mental health during these times when many people feel so alone.
"You don’t have to understand their struggle. You don’t have to agree with it. But just being there is sometimes enough," said Binko.
In February, Binko hosted a discussion at the Movie Tavern in Brookfield -- covering the stigma surrounding mental health. The audience got a front-row seat to the sobering body camera footage of the night Binko tried to take his own life.
From the intense video to other audience members opening up about their own mental health -- it was a night many can relate to, but so many don’t understand.
"I know a lot of people would say there’s nothing ever bad enough to do that. But until you’ve lived that experience and until you deal with that, it’s almost like a lens that really affects the way you see life," said Binko.
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Binko hopes by sharing his experience, others will feel more comfortable talking about mental health. As Binko starts a new chapter of his life, he said if you know someone struggling, just a few simple words can have a life-saving impact.
"Simply let that person know I hear you, I see you and I’m here for you," said Binko.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health you are not alone. The national suicide prevention hotline can be reached at 800-273-8255.
Other resources
- 211 crisis services: Call 211
- Text the HOPELINE: Text "start" to 741-741
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Call 1-800-950-6264, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
- Call 1-800-950-6264, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
- Email: info@nami.org
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