Feb 8 • 18:00 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Book: Iiro Seppänen seriously considered suicide – this is how he got back on his feet

Iiro Seppänen, a former BASE jumper and now a magician, reflects on his struggles with suicidal thoughts and the passions that ultimately saved his life.

Iiro Seppänen, known for his career as a magician and former BASE jumper, candidly discusses his experiences with severe mental health struggles, particularly regarding thoughts of suicide stemming from his teenage years. In his new book, "Pelot jotka kohtasin" (The Fears I Faced), Seppänen reveals a particularly harrowing moment when he contemplated using his father's hunting rifle to take his own life. He elaborates that these dark thoughts were triggered early in his life and were compounded by various pressures, including familial expectations and his own quest for identity.

Through the narrative, Seppänen emphasizes that finding passion in life—first through magic and later through the adrenaline of BASE jumping—served as critical lifelines that not only helped him cope but also redefined his relationship with life itself. He bears a tattoo on his arm that symbolizes this struggle, serving as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment and not to take life for granted.

Seppänen's journey is not just a personal battle but also a message of hope for others facing similar struggles. His reflections aim to inspire individuals grappling with mental health challenges to seek out their passions and stay engaged with life, proving that recovery is possible and that joy can be found even in the darkest times.

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