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Stigma thrives on silence

Charles didn’t tell any of us he had ever suffered thoughts of suicide and watching my child self-destruct for the last five years of his life was my introduction to powerlessness and humility. On this addiction and depression journey with my child, I got to know those two really well.

Charles was stubborn about accepting any kind of help or intervention. That’s what depression does when fueled by social stigma. Denial is part of its charm, judgment so crucial to its success, and shame is where it thrives.

Stigma silences people and stirs up fear. We’re addicted to it because change is uncomfortable and hard. We like to hold onto our myths. But it keeps us ignorant and people die. Speak up and it loses its fire and finally fades.

Relentless

Published by

Anne Moss Rogers

I am an emotionally naked mental health speaker, and author of the Book, Diary of a Broken Mind and co-author with Kim O'Brien PhD, LICSW of Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk. I raised two boys, Richard and Charles, and lost my younger son, Charles to addiction and suicide on June 5, 2015. I help people foster a culture of connection to prevent suicide, reduce substance misuse and find life after loss. My motivational mental health keynotes, training and workshop topics include suicide prevention, addiction, mental illness, anxiety, coping strategies/resilience, and grief. As talented and funny as Charles was, letting other people know they matter was his greatest gift. And now the legacy I try and carry forward in my son's memory. Mental Health Speakers Website. Trained in ASIST and trainer for the evidence-based 4-hour training for everyone called safeTALK.

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