New Patient Story

It is more difficult than may be perceived living with a parent, partner, friend, child, or sibling with mental health disorders. I lived with my mother who attempted suicide during my lifetime more times than I can remember. It was hard not to see this as a selfish act. It was hard not to get angry and resentful of how this affected me and others that I loved. My mother eventually was successful in her attempts and we lost her back in 2014. Losing a parent in this way affected me profoundly. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would also lose my brother in law in a similar manner. My brother in law took his life in 2022. He was so young and full of life. We missed the signs of his struggles and never thought that we would be facing this nightmare again. It was such a waste of a beautiful life. His children were not quite grown. These children now are getting married and facing life choices that they shouldn't have to make without a father in their life. Educating about mental illness and suicide prevention is so important. If it saves even one life it is worth it.