Before My Dad Died by Suicide, He Recorded 694 Videos to Help Me Understand Why

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-17T09:13:05.378Z • Permanent link

Michael Wagner, a 55-year-old man from Colorado, died by suicide in his home on September 1, 2020. What sets his story apart is the nearly 18-year journey he embarked on to help his son, Billy, understand why he took his own life. Wagner recorded 694 videos before his passing, detailing the struggles he faced with mental health, his experiences with the healthcare system, and his frustration with the lack of support. The videos were uploaded to YouTube and later shared with his son, who has since become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and reform.

Billy Wagner, a data scientist by profession, was deeply affected by his father's struggles. He felt that the system failed his father, leaving him with no choice but to take his own life. Wagner's father had been diagnosed with depression and had been seeking treatment for over a decade. However, he felt that the system was broken, with long wait times, inadequate resources, and a lack of understanding about mental health. Wagner's father also felt stigmatized by the medical community, which he believed contributed to his feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

Wagner's decision to record the videos was motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and to help others who may be struggling. He hoped that his story could raise awareness about the need for systemic change in the mental health sector. Wagner's videos were a testament to his courage and determination, and they have since resonated with thousands of people around the world.

Wagner's story highlights the need for reform in the mental health sector. The failure of the safety net to provide adequate support to individuals struggling with mental health issues is a pressing concern. The lack of resources, inadequate training, and stigmatization of mental illness have led to devastating consequences, including suicides. Wagner's experience underscores the need for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to work together to address these issues.

The impact of Wagner's story extends beyond the mental health sector. It has sparked a national conversation about the need for reform in the healthcare system as a whole. The failure of the safety net to provide adequate support to individuals struggling with mental health issues has broader implications for the economy, society, and individual well-being. The consequences of inaction will be severe, including increased mortality rates, decreased productivity, and decreased quality of life.

Wagner's story is part of a larger pattern of struggles in the mental health sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater investment in mental health services, but the sector remains woefully underfunded. The lack of resources, inadequate training, and stigmatization of mental illness have been exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.