Meet Vonnie Woodrick | Founder, i understand love heals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vonnie Woodrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vonnie, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
After losing a loved one to depression and experiencing the stigma and outdated conversations associated with a death by suicide, I was inspired to update the outdated conversations, talk about the illness rather than the act, and remember our loved ones for how they lived, rather than how they died. I found that healing began to deepen for me, when I was able to hep someone else through conversations that allowed others to understand that depression is an illness. Depression is treatable. Depression is preventable. But, like all other illnesses some people live, and sadly, some people die. It’s like that with mental/brain health illnesses too.
I began asking questions that many aren’t asking – why is the brain the only organ in our body that is judged and stigmatized when it fails? Is our brain perfect? If we don’t choose our illness, how can we choose our death? Why do we talk more about the act of suicide than we do the illness our loved one faced?
I am inspired every day to bring this updated conversation to the forefront to understand that mental health is health and we need to view it and treat it, just like we do every other illness, with compassion and understanding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The founding of the non-profit organization, i understand is a passion project. A passion to bring understanding to something difficult to understand in hopes of helping others who have gone through a similar journey. A death by suicide is devastating, heartbreaking, and very difficult to talk about.

I have created a definition petition to update the views and narratives surrounding suicide to create an easier and more accurate way to talk about. Check it out on our website – iunderstandloveheals.org
One of the many challenges I faced were the questions people asked or statements that were made that were hurtful. The most commonly asked question after a suicide loss is, “how did they do it?” My goal is to ask, “why” vs. “how.'” A much different conversation can be had if some asked why our loved one died, we can talk about the illness or pain they lived with rather than the act itself. The “why” can be answered with an illness, such as depression, or pain that came from grief, physical pain, heartache, financial devastation, isolation, and so much more.

Another commonality after a suicide loss is the use of the word, “commit.” Many will say, “they committed suicide,” up until 1964 suicide was considered a crime. That is where the word commit comes in, do we “commit” other illnesses? By removing the word commit it removes the stigma that is attached. Stigma is the number one reason why those living with suicidal thoughts, do not reach out. Let’s create an environment that allows others to reach out without shame.

Life is bittersweet. I am very proud of my organization, the book I wrote, “i understand pain, love, and healing after suicide, my ‘Behind the Smile’ podcast and the difference I am making one heart at a time. This pride comes with the fact that I had to lose someone very special to get here, to take a dark subject and bring it to light. The passion to make a difference has been a gift my husband left behind, and I know, he’s been with me every step of the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So many wonderful places to visit in West Michigan. My top pick is Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park! I could spend hours both inside and outside at this beautiful place. Roselle Park in Ada is another place that I visit on a regular basis. The beautiful trails along the Grand River provide peace and serenity. This is also the home of my late husbands memorial, so the birdwatch at the park is a special place. The downtown area of Rockford is so quaint. The waterfall at the dam is so calming and beautiful. The shops are fun to browse and the restaurants are hometown originals. The Fred Meijer trail has miles and miles of walking opportunities. A martini at Bistro Bella Vita is a must. My late husband and I began Bistro Bella Vita, my husband proclaimed himself as the martini “king,” The name ‘Bella Vita,’ came from me to honor the beautiful life we lived. Also, downtown is a sculpture in front of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, called – The Door is Always Open. This life size cage is an i understand inspired ArtPrize sculpture, representing, the door is always open to seek help and it’s also open for us to walk in to help someone else.
More shopping needs to be done in downtown Ada with so many wonderful locally owned businesses, The James is a favorite not only for a haircut or manicure but for their stylish boutique . I love Ada Grill, Zeytin, and MudPenny for lunch or dinner.
A visit to West Michigan is not complete without a day spent at the Lakeshore. A visit Holland to walk the shores, visit downtown, and have ice cream at Kilwins. Grand Haven a climb up 1,000 feet of stairs to see the dunes, and the beach is well worth the hike. Then after it’s off to downtown Grand Haven to Snug Harbor for lakeside dining!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A big shout out goes to Doug Meijer for his belief in our mission, the continued support in our work, and his own transparency to share is own story in hopes of helping someone else.

Website: iunderstandloveheals.org

Instagram: iunderstand_loveheals

Linkedin: Vonnie Woodrick

Facebook: i understand

Youtube: i understand love heals