What I speak about is often acknowledged as important.
Heads nod, emails are answered and then the, “I think that is Sara’s or Kenny’s area.” Let me introduce you to these five people. And my message just gets drowned out in a sea of emails of “we’ll get back to you later.”
Do I get back? Sure I do. But what I get in response is, “Did you ever talk to Kenny or Sara?” No, they wouldn’t call me back.
Suicide, mental illness, grief and addiction are topics people want to pass to someone else to take care of. Not unlike how our country has handled the opiate crisis and mental health in general. Do you sense a pattern here?
We’re really good at hands off. That we have mastered. Just pass it along to someone else then check that box and claim to have done their duty.
The whole problem with people struggling who want help, is that they are passed on down a myriad of resources lined with and covered in red tape. Few want to say, “Hey let’s make this happen.”
What I’m finding is that my connections are starting to push back and advocate. And while it might not always turn into something, just having that support and knowing that they were thinking of me, is what I need the most. I’m not really alone as I feel, am I?
Anne Moss: This is god sent. You may not remember me but maybe my son Russell. His oldest son had a mental illness and took his own life Nov. 6, 2019. In a way it was a shock and in a way it wasn’t.Ford was 23 at the time. For years they tried to find the right help for him but none of it worked. I am passing your information on to them. Hopefully they will reach out.
I do remember you and of course Russell. I am so sorry they are suffering this loss. I think I may have heard something about it but it was not a sure thing. So thank you for confirming. That is so recent.
We do appreciate your tenacity and share in your joy at the successes. We are thankful you have turned your grief into advocacy. Hang in there!
It helps to have all of you supporting me. I can’t tell you how much. Thank you, Amy.