Hey there, friends. I recently experienced something deeply tragic that I feel compelled to share. A close friend of mine, Sarah, lost her husband to suicide just a few weeks ago. It was heartbreaking to see the coroner’s van pull up to their home and leave with a body bag, taking away not just a person, but leaving a family shattered. Afterward, I reached out to Sarah to offer my support. She suggested that I tell my kids that her husband passed away from a sudden illness instead of mentioning the suicide. While it’s true that he died from a medical issue, I feel it’s crucial to be honest about the circumstances.
You see, mental illness has hit close to home for us. My grandmother struggled with bipolar disorder, and I’ve battled chronic depression myself. Tragically, my brother took his own life a few years back due to this relentless illness. This is why I refuse to shy away from discussing suicide.
When my brother passed, my kids were only 9 and 6. I didn’t share all the details, but I made it clear that some people suffer from illnesses that are not visible, like physical ones. I explained that mental illnesses, such as the one my brother had, can profoundly affect someone’s feelings and actions.
As my children have matured, we’ve had conversations about the difference between normal sadness and serious depression. I’ve talked to them about the signs that indicate a person might need help and emphasized that mental illness is treatable, despite the often overwhelming challenge of seeking help. My goal is to talk to my kids about depression and suicide because I believe it could save their lives one day.
Recently, my daughter asked about the semi-colon tattoo on my wrist, which symbolizes my journey with depression. I explained that it serves as a reminder that my story isn’t over yet—just like a semi-colon continues a sentence. It’s all about choosing to keep going and sharing my experiences with others.
In the time since my brother’s death, I’ve noticed that many people feel uneasy discussing suicide around me. I want to change that narrative. I’m heartbroken but not ashamed, and I want to raise awareness about the mental health issues that can lead to such tragedies. Talking openly about these subjects can help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, making it easier for others to come forward and seek help.
In honor of my brother and Sarah’s late husband, I will continue these conversations with my kids about mental health and suicide. I hope you’ll join me in fostering an open dialogue around these important topics. If you want to learn more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this resource on pregnancy, or visit this link for more insights. For authoritative information on self insemination, you can also refer to this site.
To summarize
Discussing suicide and mental health is vital for fostering understanding and potentially saving lives. The more we talk about it, the less stigma there will be, allowing those in need to seek help.