An Afghanistan veteran and single mom who took her own life urged people with suicidal thoughts to seek help in an Instagram post months before her death.

Staff Sergeant Michelle Young, 34, a U.S. Army soldier and fitness influencer with 100,000 Instagram followers, died by suicide last week.

News of Young’s death came days after her daughter, Gracie, celebrated her 12th birthday on January 17.

In a post marking Suicide Prevention Month in September, the Arizona woman, originally from Missouri, explained how she lost her late brother aged 14.

Describing him as her ‘protector’ and ‘first best friend,’ she said: ‘That day forever changed my life, but it also created a passion for helping others.’

Now Young’s friends are urging others to seek support if they too are struggling with their mental health. 

Sarah Maine, COO of activewear label Curves N Combatboots, set up a GoFundMe in her honor. Before her death, Young frequently modeled for the brand.

‘From the outside looking in it looked like she had it all,’ Maine wrote. ‘Mental illness is so prevalent especially in the military. We need to find a way to do better.’

Young’s death came just days after her daughter Gracie’s 12th birthday, which she celebrated with a social media post.

‘Happy birthday to the sweetest girl I’ve ever known,’ Young wrote. ‘She’s a force to be reckoned with, she’s witty, ambitious, kind, compassionate, intelligent, hardworking, hilarious, and selfless. 

‘I cried the entire time I made this. I love you forever, kiddo. The best part about my life is being your momma.’

Young was deployed twice to Afghanistan, most recently in 2021. That same year, she extended her military contract to serve 20 years. As of September, she had served 16.

She ascended to the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2019 and memorialized the accomplishment with a post showing her embracing then-seven-year-old Gracie.

‘I wouldn’t have the drive and motivation that I do today if it wasn’t for my daughter,’ Young wrote. ‘She’s my “why” and she encourages me to be a better person and better NCO daily.’

Proceeds from the GoFundMe will go towards helping Gracie ‘with anything she may need.’ At the time of writing, the campaign had raised over $36,000 of its $50,000 goal. 

Friends and loved ones remembered Young as a doting mother who was dedicated to helping others. 

Carmen Frederic, who volunteered with Young at Prescott Area Shelter Services, remembered her as someone who ‘showed each person so much love and respect.’

‘If Michelle was out in town with Gracie by her side, and they saw any of the women walking Michelle would always pull over and offer a ride, took them for a hamburger, or took them shopping for clothes,’ Frederic recalled.

‘She just had that special care for others, and no judgement, she just wanted to help.’

Maggie Hundshamer described Young as ‘a beacon in a world full of ships.’

‘She was a phenomenal friend, mentor, and mother and I miss her already,’ she wrote. ‘I’m sending G money (Gracie) the biggest hug from my family.’

It seems Young also left an impression on those whose lives she momentarily touched.

‘Gracie – your mom and I met at a photoshoot for the athletic apparel company we both work with,’ Michaela Otero wrote.

‘She was one of the kindest and brightest people I met and I’m so grateful for the time I got to spend with her. I didn’t know her well, but I can tell she loved you fiercely.’ 

In May, Young worked with nonprofit Pilots to the Rescue to rescue seven shelter dogs who were at risk of being euthanized.

One woman going by Brooke L recalled how their plane wound up with an oil leak while passing over the Appalachian Mountains.

‘Needless to say, ending up on this journey with Michelle, of all people, provided such comfort – I felt so safe with her,’ the woman wrote.

‘We had no choice throughout this trip other than be our truest selves, and by the end, we’d each found a lifelong friend in one another. She was so fierce, and so funny, and will be really, truly missed.’

Young’s relative Lisa Rodriguez alluded to her death in a Facebook post.

‘Check on your family members… some of them might be fighting a different type of struggle,’ she wrote on January 19. ‘Nothing is the same when they are gone.’

Between photos of her glamorous vacations and gym workouts, the 34-year-old provided a glimpse into her struggles with mental health and body image.

‘I feel like we live in a world where everything is a superficial façade and everyone pretends that they don’t feel emotion, and that just isn’t me,’ Young wrote in a 2018 post.

‘Life ain’t all sunshine and rainbows but I promise if you allow yourself to feel the pain during the sad times the happy times are appreciated that much more.’