Written by  Janelle R. Goodwill , University of Chicago ____ Frederick Douglass is regarded as one of the most prominent abolitionists the world has ever seen. Alongside his extraordinary contributions as an influential speaker , writer and human rights advocate, Douglass—who was born into slavery and gained freedom in September 1838 —also wrote openly about his struggles with suicidal thoughts. Douglass’ writings are both revolutionary and transformative, particularly when considering that he lived during a time when several anti-literacy laws prevented enslaved Black people from learning to read and write. Douglass published his first autobiography — Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass —in 1845. In it, he boldly shared, “I often found myself regretting my own existence, and wishing myself dead; and but for the hope of being free, I have no doubt that I should have killed myself, or done something for which I should have been killed.” It’s not hard to imagine why formerly...