Tyler Anderson Received Help, Is Using His Experience To Guide Others

There was a time when Tyler Anderson couldn’t imagine the life he has today. After surviving two suicide attempts, he now has much to be grateful for, including his wife, three children, a fulfilling career and the opportunity to use his experience to help others.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Anderson shared his story to offer hope and remind others who may be struggling with their mental health that they are not alone.

“There’s power in vulnerability,” he said. “If I can go first in telling my story of overcoming struggle, others can do it, too.”

Anderson was born in 1991, a premature baby weighing 1 pound, 12 ounces. Doctors gave him a 10% chance of living. He defied the odds and throughout the years developed a talent for writing and a love of basketball.

Extreme Sadness

Around 18 years of age, Anderson experienced periods of extreme sadness. During these spells, he lost his appetite and interest in his favorite activities. He also struggled to sleep.

Relationship challenges and childhood trauma contributed to years of recurring depression for Anderson. Now 34, he survived suicide attempts in 2018 and again in 2021. “It’s not that I wanted to die per se. I just wanted to end the pain I was going through.”

Care teams brought Anderson to Froedtert Hospital after each suicide attempt. He said he was treated with kindness and dignity by everyone who engaged with him, including law enforcement, first responders and the hospital team.

“I got the help I needed in those moments,” he said. “The compassion and care I received were really a light for me.”

Support from his wife, parents and friends helped him improve. He received additional support from individual and group therapy sessions and medication. 

Anderson still sees a therapist, takes medication and practices healing habits, including journaling. “There’s no fix-all. It’s everything in combination.” 

Anderson said over the last five years, he’s experienced some of life’s greatest joys. In 2022, he married his wife, Alissa. A year later, the couple welcomed a son, who joined Anderson’s older daughter and son. 

Newfound Purpose

For Anderson, one of the most transformative experiences was finding a meaningful career. After working for years in the manufacturing industry, he applied for a housekeeping job in environmental services (EVS) at Froedtert Hospital in 2025. He excelled quickly and in less than a year was promoted to EVS lead.

Working in EVS gave Anderson new appreciation for an often-unsung role.

“Without a clean environment, the doctors can’t perform their surgeries and the nurses can’t perform the care they need to,” he said.

Mathew Gnirk, Anderson’s leader, said he quickly realized Anderson was unique.

“He is just an overall general, good human being, one of those people where you meet them and you go, ‘Wow, I am just blessed to be in his presence,’” he said. “He is constantly uplifting and to hear his story and where he came from and what he’s doing now is nothing short of amazing.”

Advocating for Others

Anderson hopes to serve as a source of inspiration for others at Froedtert ThedaCare and beyond. That’s why he shared his story. As a person living with depression, he said he knows how hard it can be to overcome certain societal expectations.

“We’ve come a long way but mental health still has a lot of stigma behind it,” he said. “Culture likes to tell men to man up and not tell anybody about their feelings or their story.”

He’s doing the opposite and encouraging people to speak up when they need help with their mental health, adding that above all, emotions – even strong ones – can eventually pass.

“I tell other people a lot, don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings,” Anderson said.

As for his own future, Anderson anticipates opportunities to continue to grow.

“There’s a bigger purpose for me here and I don’t take that lightly or for granted ever,” he said. “I wake up and get to make a difference. When it’s my time to go, I want to know that I’m leaving a legacy that’s bigger than me.”

People in need of emotional support are encouraged to call or text 988 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Line, available 24/7/365. For mental health emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. 

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.

Date posted: September 30, 2026