Author, entrepreneur, and business leader Justin Calabrese is breaking the silence surrounding his mental health journey in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. A suicide survivor after a failed 2013 attempt — just days before Thanksgiving — Calabrese is openly discussing the pain that nearly cost him his life and the hope that has kept him moving forward.Calabrese explains that the roots of his struggles began in high school, where bullying left lasting scars, and deepened in adulthood after experiencing harassment and betrayal from an Associate Minister at Wapping Community Church in South Windsor, Connecticut. “The weight of those experiences — being bullied when I was younger and then hurt by people who were supposed to guide me in faith — pushed me into silence,” Calabrese recalls. “That silence nearly ended my life.”
He now speaks openly about the invisible battle of suicidal thoughts: “It feels like drowning while everyone around you believes you’re fine. Sometimes it’s the quiet ones, the ones always smiling, who are in the most pain,” Calabrese explains. He stresses the importance of recognizing warning signs such as withdrawal, self-isolation, uncharacteristic silence, and even overcompensating with constant happiness.
Calabrese urges people to act if they suspect someone they know is struggling. “Don’t ignore it. Reach out. Ask questions. Show them they are not alone. And if you are the one struggling — please, pick up the phone and dial 988. That one call can save a life.”
Resources for Immediate Help
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for immediate, confidential support 24/7.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1–800–950-NAMI (6264) or www.nami.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):1–800–662-HELP (4357) or www.samhsa.gov
About Justin Calabrese
Justin Calabrese is an entrepreneur, author, consultant, and mental health advocate. He holds a Master’s in Business Management from the University of Hartford and has been inducted twice into international business honor societies, placing him in the top 3% of business students worldwide. By the age of 28, he had launched more than seven businesses and guided over 150 microbusinesses to success, gaining national recognition for his leadership in e-commerce and small business development.
Beyond his professional achievements, Calabrese uses his platform to confront the difficult realities of bullying, betrayal, and suicidal struggles — challenges he has faced firsthand. His mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health, honor the courage of those who seek support, and remind others that healing and hope are always within reach. In his personal life, Justin is equally passionate about cars, world travel, and collecting ultra-luxury timepieces.