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My Family Journey with Mental Health
When I was around 10 years old, my world shifted dramatically. I can still vividly recall that evening in my grandmother’s kitchen when my aunt, who I thought of as the coolest person ever, had a breakdown. She was sitting there, her head in her hands, screaming. I was wearing the stylish black and white saddle shoes she had picked out for me—she always had an eye for fashion. Together, we would flip through magazines, critiquing outfits long before it was cool to do so.
To me, she was more than an aunt; she was like an older sister, someone who shared her love for music (Aretha Franklin was her favorite!), talked about her romantic escapades, and encouraged me to chase my dreams, regardless of what anyone else thought.
That night marked the beginning of a long and painful journey. My aunt was admitted to a hospital for observation and ended up staying for a few months. Even after her return, we tiptoed around the topic of her mental health—through my teenage years, into adulthood, and even when I had my own family. She never opened up about what led to her breakdown or the heartbreaking loss of her newborn son, who passed away shortly after birth from what was deemed crib death. Back then, I didn’t understand clinical depression—and neither did my family. Unfortunately, my aunt never received the ongoing counseling she desperately needed.
When she passed away at just 54, she had been on a cocktail of strong medications since that fateful night, and I often found myself helping her take her pills with a tall glass of water. She never lost her charm in my eyes; she was still the coolest aunt, even during her medicated haze. But I knew she wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer as she did. After her passing, I made it a point to share her story with my daughter, nieces, and nephews—how silence around mental health issues can lead to devastating consequences.
I know the term “Crazy” can be jarring, but my aunt would have embraced it without hesitation, dismissing any politically correct label. She would have urged us to start a much-needed dialogue about mental health, especially among women. If we ignore these issues, they’ll only fester. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs—whether it be postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or other disorders—and to intervene when necessary.
Many of us hide our struggles out of shame. It’s uncomfortable to admit that after welcoming a beautiful baby, you feel like curling up and shutting the world out. Or that a divorce has unearthed old wounds, making you contemplate dark thoughts. These significant issues can’t be brushed aside with superficial fixes like food, alcohol, or retail therapy.
I remember watching a YouTube video featuring Chiara de Blasio, the daughter of New York City’s former mayor. She bravely shared her battles with clinical depression and substance abuse, encouraging others to speak out. I couldn’t help but think of my aunt and how her life could have been different if she’d had the courage to share her struggles openly.
Many of us have loved ones grappling with varying degrees of mental health challenges—often unnoticed until their pain becomes too loud to ignore. It’s vital that we work to break the stigma surrounding mental illness, allowing our loved ones to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment or ostracism. This is as much a part of our health history as any physical ailment and deserves the same attention and treatment.
Conversations about mental health should be common at our dinner tables and in schools. We need more public service announcements and educational materials at community events. Mental well-being must be treated as a public health priority, deserving of funding for programs and facilities, and ongoing education to combat negative stereotypes.
If we can cultivate a culture of compassion and support for those suffering from mental illness, we can truly make a difference. It starts with us, teaching our children to be understanding and open-hearted. Now that’s what I call crazy cool.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can reach out for resources at this link, which offers valuable support and guidance.
To learn more about home insemination techniques, check out this resource. For an excellent overview on pregnancy-related topics, visit UCSF’s fertility treatment page.
In summary, mental health is a crucial part of our overall well-being, and it’s time we start talking about it openly. By breaking the silence, we can create a more supportive environment for everyone.