ABC's Dr. Jennifer Ashton on Her Ex-Husband's Suicide: 'Our World Was Changed Forever'

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ABC chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton is opening up about one of the most painful periods of her life.

“Today, it is announced that on May 7 I will be releasing a book on a topic I never thought I would or could publicly discuss,” she wrote on Instagram. “When suicide hit my family, we learned first-hand that no one is immune from what is now the 10th leading cause of death in the US.”

She continued: “As a physician, my core drive is to help alleviate suffering and if sharing my story could help others in some way, perhaps I could find the courage to expose my most vulnerable self.”

The book will cover the first 18 months following Robert’s death, in addition to sharing stories “of almost a dozen other survivors of suicide.”

The book is set to be released on May 7 and any profits will be donated to a suicide awareness foundation in her ex-husband’s name.

“My children and I want to help de-stigmatize mental illness, and since Rob (as a physician) had devoted his life to helping people, we dedicate this book to him,” she concluded.

At the time, Jennifer took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute.

“[Please] get help,” she pleaded. “May Rob Rest In Peace, forever in our hearts.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

source: people.com