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.
