When I was around 10, my aunt, whom I adored, had a mental health crisis that left an indelible mark on my life. I can still vividly recall that evening in my grandmother’s kitchen, standing there in the black and white saddle shoes she had gifted me, as she sat with her head in her hands, screaming. My aunt was a trendsetter, someone with whom I would flip through fashion magazines and critique outfits long before it was a popular pastime. She was effortlessly cool—my ultimate role model.
To me, she was more than just an aunt; she was like an older sister who shared her love for music (Aretha Franklin was her jam), discussed her past relationships, and encouraged me to chase my dreams, no matter how unattainable they seemed to others. However, that night marked the beginning of a long and painful journey for her. After being admitted to a hospital for observation, she remained there for months, and upon returning home, we tiptoed around any discussions about her mental well-being for years—through my teenage years, into adulthood, and even after I became a mother.
She never spoke about the grief she carried from losing her newborn son to crib death just days after his birth. At the time, I lacked an understanding of clinical depression, which I now recognize she was grappling with. My family was equally unaware, and unfortunately, my aunt never received the ongoing support she needed. By the time she passed away at 54, she had been on multiple powerful medications since that breakdown, and I was often her partner in managing those prescriptions.
Despite everything, my admiration for her never waned. She remained the coolest aunt, even in her medicated haze. However, I knew deep down that she wouldn’t have wanted others to experience the turmoil she faced. After her passing, I found it essential to share her story with my children and nieces and nephews, emphasizing how unaddressed emotions can lead to serious consequences.
Please understand that I’m using the term “Crazy” with love and respect. My aunt would have scoffed at politically correct language regarding her struggles. She was bold enough to confront the stigma surrounding mental health. I can almost hear her saying, “Let’s talk about this—it’s about time, especially for women.” She would have encouraged us to pay attention to our loved ones, to recognize the signs of mental health issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, and even more severe disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Many of us are guilty of hiding our struggles. It’s uncomfortable to admit that, after welcoming a beautiful baby, you may feel a deep desire to retreat from the world. It’s awkward to confess that a divorce has unburied long-dormant issues, leading to thoughts of self-harm. We often hesitate to discuss the manic episode we had at the grocery store, even though it had nothing to do with a simple coupon error.
These significant experiences cannot be remedied with superficial fixes like time, indulgence, or material things—they require serious attention. I once watched a young woman, Chiara, the daughter of New York City’s then Mayor-elect, discuss her battles with clinical depression and substance abuse. At just 19, she encouraged young people to share their mental health journeys openly. I thought of my aunt and wished she had the same courage; perhaps she would still be with us today, critiquing fashion trends and sharing her vibrant spirit.
Many families face varying degrees of mental health challenges, often ignored until a crisis occurs. This is why breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness is so crucial. We must foster safe spaces for those suffering to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Mental health is as hereditary as other medical conditions, deserving of diagnosis and treatment.
We need to create dialogue about mental health in our homes and classrooms, to promote understanding and reduce stigma. It should be a public health priority, with increased funding for programs and facilities designed to support those in need. By cultivating compassion and understanding, we can shatter the stigma and create a supportive environment for those who struggle. Teaching our children to approach mental health with empathy is indeed “crazy cool.”
If you or someone you care about is facing mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. Resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide invaluable support and education to reduce stigma and promote understanding. For more information on home insemination and related resources, you can visit IVF Babble, which offers excellent insights on pregnancy and fertility.
In conclusion, recognizing and addressing mental health issues is essential to fostering a supportive community. We must break the silence and stigma surrounding these challenges to ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles.