Man announced plan to end his life so 8,000 strangers invited him to a ‘last supper’ that saved him

Trigger warning: This article contains themes of mental health and suicide that some readers may find distressing.

In 2024, Joseph Awuah-Darko (@okuntakinte) wanted to end his life in a hotel room in the Netherlands. As an individual with PTSD and bipolar disorder, he was tired of severe depressive episodes, and all he wanted was to break free. On December 6, 2024, just before taking his life, Joseph posted a video on Instagram, announcing his decision. He thought his video would only attract bullies, but surprisingly, that didn't happen. In fact, hundreds of strangers invited Joseph over to share a meal, and 10 months later, he has already had dinner with over 800 neurodivergent individuals and received invites from more than 7,000 people across the globe.

Inspired by the kindness, Joseph started "The Last Supper Project" to meet more people who are going through a situation similar to his and help them in any way he can. On October 21, 2025, he posted another video on Instagram, sharing a sneak peek into his life and explaining how, despite his own struggles, his perspective on life has changed. "I felt pursuing peaceful euthanasia was the answer and that I was the problem," Joseph confessed, going on to share how the food, uncomfortable conversations about fighting inner battles, and unexpected friendships have changed his life. "I'm still bipolar… but I'm still HERE," he added. Joseph feels that sharing dinner with strangers has been a special way for him to foster relationships and connections as he awaits a decision on his request for euthanasia, according to USA Today. The man who has attempted to end his life describes himself as one among millions struggling with bipolar disorder and chronic suicidality. "If people choose to see it as romanticizing, I think that more reflects on them," Joseph added. 

Amidst support from people all across the globe, Joseph also receives a lot of criticism for 'romanticizing' ending life. People even accuse him of dramatizing his life and trying to attract attention with false narratives. "I could easily decide to jump from a building. But I want to do this in a responsible way, in a manner that is nonviolent. And I don’t want to transfer my trauma to anyone who discovers my body," Joseph confessed. As he rightly said, he isn't special; he is just one among a million who also want to end their lives because of mental illness. In fact, the State of Mental Health in America report found that in 2024, 5.50% of adults confessed to experiencing serious thoughts of taking their lives. That means an estimated number of adults with suicidal ideation in the U.S. the same year was over 14 million.

Meanwhile, reacting to Joseph's story, @a.little.less.isolated commented, "I am glad you are still here, Joseph! I get how you wanted to disappear and wanted to feel seen. I have been there! So many of us resonate with what you share. I see you, Joseph."

@therealsvetlana shared, "I'm so glad you’re still here. As somebody who lives with complex PTSD, generalized anxiety, and clinical depression, I understand your feelings. If you ever make your way to Canada, please let me know. I would be more than happy to prepare a beautiful dinner for you." @se_gilola commented, "I'm glad you are still here. This project led you to your purpose. Others have seen that they are not alone and that seeking community is healing.  Keep helping others by sharing your story."

You can follow Joseph Awuah-Darko (@okuntakinte) on Instagram for more motivational content.

If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

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