In this deeply personal episode of Properties to Profits, I open up about my long battle with suicidal thoughts and the tools I’ve built over nearly two decades to fight through the darkest moments. This isn’t a business playbook—it’s a conversation about life, loss, resilience, and what it really takes to keep going when quitting feels like the only option.

I share the mindset shifts, habits, and emergency frameworks that helped me rebuild after financial collapse, relationship loss, and severe mental health struggles. If you’ve ever dealt with depression, burnout, or felt like the pressure was too much, this episode offers real tools—not clichés—for getting back on your feet and remembering why your life still matters.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] A close friend’s suicide—and why I’m sharing this now

[1:31] My own experience with suicidal thoughts and attempts

[2:26] Why today’s challenges are different for this generation

[3:37] Unrealistic goals, social pressure, and what we think we “should” be

[4:24] You only lose if you quit—everything else is a lesson

[4:55] A story of recovery from stroke, and the power of belief

[5:33] My lowest financial point: $1 million in debt and ready to give up

[6:38] The safe in my office: a symbol of survival and perspective

[7:25] The truth about success—cars, money, and chasing self-worth

[8:11] The daily protocol I use to combat negative thoughts

[9:24] My emergency rule: 3 people must agree before I act on dark thoughts

[10:34] Emotional thoughts ≠ required action—how to reframe

[11:34] Building a system to stop the spiral and find the lesson

[12:56] You’re not alone—how to support yourself and others

[13:45] Life can and will get better if you don’t quit

[14:44] From -$1M to paid in full—proof that recovery is possible

[15:11] You have more time—as long as you keep going

3 Key Takeaways

1. Negative thoughts are not facts—they’re signals, and you can change how you respond to them.

2. Having a framework for handling emotional lows can save your life.

3. You don’t need to solve everything today—you just need to not give up.

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for more than just real estate—this is about real life.

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