A Father's Harrowing Journey Through a Five-Day Coma and a Vision of Hell
A father of two daughters has shared a life-altering account of his near-death experience during a five-day coma, which he believes transported him to hell and back, leaving him with a renewed appreciation for life.
The Descent into Despair and a Suicide Attempt
Gerhard Schug, who attempted suicide in 2020, described feeling overwhelmed by loneliness and grief following the death of his eldest daughter, Tanja, in 2019 from a pulmonary embolism. He was already battling multiple health issues, including a spine injury, Parkinson's disease, lung disease, and mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, and borderline personality disorder. In the months leading up to his suicide attempt, Gerhard isolated himself, gaining weight and withdrawing from society, fueled by pain and a sense of abandonment.
He explained, "I didn't want to live anymore, and in that moment, I felt abandoned and lonely. Tanja and I had a very close relationship." His younger daughter, though loving, had her own life, which at the time he perceived as lacking in attention, though he now views things differently.
The Coma and a Terrifying Vision of the Afterlife
After his suicide attempt, Gerhard fell into a coma for five days, during which doctors warned his daughter that survival was unlikely and severe brain damage was probable if he did wake up. However, he defied the odds and emerged with a vivid memory of what he describes as a near-death experience in hell.
He recounted, "In my near-death experience, I didn't pass into a bright light nor did I pass into an afterlife where everything is beautiful." Instead, he found himself in a stone palace with a throne, where the devil presided over a scene of souls being sorted and ground under lion-like claws, accompanied by terrifying creaking noises. Gerhard, raised Catholic, noted the devil had horns and the environment was hot, aligning with traditional depictions.
He emphasized, "I know there are people who say that is delirium or withdrawal symptoms, but I know I was there and that's what happens to me." The experience felt as though it lasted the entire duration of his coma, leaving him deeply shaken but with a newfound clarity.
A Profound Transformation and Message of Hope
Upon waking in the intensive care unit, Gerhard's perspective shifted dramatically. He came to believe that God had given him life and that taking his own would lead to hell, not reunion with his daughter. This realization inspired him to adopt a "glass half full" attitude, embracing life until God decides it is his time to go.
His story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles with mental health and grief, while also offering a message of resilience. For those feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, support is available through organizations like Samaritans in the UK and similar services in the US.
