A Pennsylvania mother has revealed how she miraculously survived two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to her face – and is now using her experience to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Amanda Thome, 35, felt like her whole world was about to end in 2022 as her marriage began to fall apart — and the pressures of her part-time counseling job became overwhelming.
When her grandmother passed away, the emotional burden became too great and she turned to alcohol and drug abuse for relief.
On September 6, she grabbed a drink before noon and was frustrated when she and her husband started arguing.
She locked herself in her office, grabbed her husband’s gun despite never touching it before, and made a harrowing decision she would now “regret forever” by pointing the gun to her chin and twice pulled the trigger.
Amanda Thome, 35, (pictured before shooting herself) has revealed how she survived two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face
The Pennsylvania-based mother shot herself twice after suffering from severe mental health issues
Now, a year later, Amanda recalls how her mental health issues ruled her life that day and how she miraculously survived
Now, a year later, Amanda recalls how her mental health issues ruled her life that day and how she miraculously survived.
She said, “It wasn’t even noon and I was reaching for a drink.” My husband and I had been through many difficult times, and that day things escalated into a big argument. I stormed off in frustration and locked myself in my office. ‘
Her husband tried to lure her out of the office, but she refused and called the military police because they were living on a military base at the time.
“As soon as they arrived and tried to speak to me through the locked door, I made a decision I will forever regret,” she continued.
“I went into my husband’s gun cabinet, which happened to be in my office closet, unlocked it and grabbed a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. “Though I never touched my husband’s guns in the nine years we were together, I held them in my hands.”
She pointed the gun barrel under her chin and pulled the trigger.
After the first shot, she was still conscious and tried again to end her life.
Amanda said, “I thought the world would go dark, but it didn’t.” Even after the first shot, I remained conscious. I pulled the trigger again and fell to the ground.’
When the police heard the second shot, they finally managed to force open the door.
After a heated argument with her husband, Amanda locked herself in the closet and grabbed his gun
Her husband tried to lure her out of the office, but she refused and called the military police because they were living on a military base at the time
It was too late, however, so she pointed the gun barrel under her chin and pulled the trigger. After the first shot, she was still conscious and tried again to end her life
Military police found her lying in a pool of blood with Amanda’s husband. Miraculously, she was still alive.
Amanda was rushed to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and placed in an induced coma for three days while doctors worked out the best course of action.
“My time in the hospital was tough, one of the toughest experiences of my life.” I was completely bedridden and unable to do anything for myself.
“I’ve had numerous surgeries to reconstruct my face, including a flap where doctors took a piece of flesh from my leg to patch the hole in my face,” she explained.
Amanda added, “The pain was indescribable and dealing with a tracheotomy and feeding tube (G-tube) made things worse.” However, over time, the doctors gradually weaned me off these medications and I could feel my progress made.”
After regaining her mobility, Amanda, who had suffered from mental health issues since childhood, was transferred to a psychiatric ward.
Military police found her lying in a pool of blood with Amanda’s husband. Miraculously she was still alive (pictured before the gunshot wound)
Amanda (pictured after the gunshot wound) was rushed to the University of Maryland Medical Center and placed in an induced coma for three days
She has struggled since she was 11, being diagnosed with epilepsy and PCOS, suffering from severe bullying and a difficult relationship with her father.
Unfortunately, being admitted to a psychiatric ward did not help Amanda. In fact, she said it did the opposite.
“The way the nurses and doctors there treated us was anything but compassionate; It felt like we were being herded together like animals. Luckily I didn’t want to let that happen.
“I reached out to the patient representative and the doctors and they agreed to move me back to the ICU after my next surgery.” “It was a huge relief,” she explained.
Amanda, who still has difficulty eating, has since undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries and has many more surgeries to come.
She said, “Doctors have plans to restore my lower lip but they want me to wait until I’m fully healed from the previous surgeries.”
“They tried to use a tendon from my right forearm before but it didn’t work – everything got necrotic and they had to deal with it.”
“They’re going to try again next fall, this time with the tendon from my left arm,” she added.
Amanda (shown after the gunshot wound), who still has difficulty eating, has since undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries and will have many more to come
Amanda’s road to recovery has led her to discover a powerful purpose – to be a guiding light for others navigating through their darkest moments.
Today, she fearlessly shares her story on TikTok and dreams of becoming a motivational speaker, especially for teens, promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
As she nears a significant milestone in her sobriety on September 7, 2023, Amanda has stressed the importance of seeking help, speaking openly about issues, and avoiding the trap of internalizing pain.
Her advice to people suffering from mental health problems is: “Hold on – you are worth every moment and your existence matters!”
“Ask for help, share your pain, and remember, hope is always within reach.” Remember, storms don’t last forever!’