A few weeks ago, a tragic event unfolded in my community when a close friend’s husband took his own life. After she left for a meeting, he hung himself in their backyard. I stood in disbelief as the coroner’s vehicle backed into the driveway, watching helplessly as the body bag was carried away. This experience left my friend without her life partner, and it deeply affected me.
When I spoke with her afterward, she suggested I tell my children that her husband died unexpectedly from an illness, omitting the fact that it was suicide. While I understand her choice, I firmly believe in the importance of sharing the complete truth with my children.
Mental health issues are a significant part of my family’s history. My grandmother struggled with bipolar disorder, and I live with chronic depression, a condition that has also affected other family members. Tragically, I lost a brother to suicide a few years ago because of this relentless illness. Therefore, suicide is not a subject I shy away from discussing.
At the time of my brother’s passing, my children were just 9 and 6 years old. Although I didn’t delve into specific details, I took the opportunity to explain that not all sicknesses are visible. I told them that some people suffer from mental illnesses that can severely impact their feelings and decisions, and that my brother had one of these conditions, which ultimately led him to take his life.
As my children have matured, we’ve explored the distinctions between normal feelings of sadness and more severe depression. I’ve explained the signs that indicate when someone should seek medical help and emphasized that mental illness is treatable, even though the first step can be daunting for many.
I speak with my children about depression and suicide not only to educate them but also to protect their lives. Recently, my daughter inquired about the semi-colon tattoo on my wrist. I explained to her that it symbolizes my commitment to continue my journey despite my struggles with depression, much like how a semi-colon connects two thoughts in a sentence. This tattoo serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of sharing my story.
By fostering open discussions about these difficult topics with my kids and others, I hope to encourage a broader dialogue. Since my brother’s death, I’ve noticed many people feel uneasy discussing suicide, but I want to reassure them that I welcome these conversations. Though I feel profound sadness, I carry no shame regarding how he died. It is imperative for more individuals to understand the destructive nature of the disease that led him to such a tragic end.
Unfortunately, many battling depression find it hard to speak openly due to the stigma associated with mental illness. I talk about these issues to make it easier for others to do the same. My goal is to raise awareness, dismantle stigma, and eliminate the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
In memory of my brother and my friend’s husband, I will continue these discussions with my children and hope that others will join me in this vital dialogue. For additional resources on topics like home insemination, check out the Baby Maker at Home Insemination Kit. For more insights on the importance of laughter in parenting, visit this page.
Summary:
Talking openly about suicide and mental health is crucial for fostering understanding and reducing stigma. Drawing from personal experiences with family mental illness, I emphasize the importance of discussing these topics with my children to help them recognize the signs of depression and encourage them to seek help if needed. These conversations can potentially save lives.