Your life matters

[RedsfaninMT]

Sorry to pigtail off Jake's awful news, but I got a phone call Friday from my very dearest friend telling me his brother, Thane, had just killed himself at age 52. Thane had also became a friend over the years. Thane was seeking help, but just couldn't get where he needed to be. I so wish I could talk to him and tell him how much he meant to me, but it is far too late for that. No, I don't blame myself. It is just an awful loss and a terrible waste.

I have taken part in discussions on this forum of those who have battled similar demons. Get whatever help you can. Get it right now. Know that you matter far more than you ever thought possible to a whole lot more people than you ever realized.

[SunDeck]

I lost my sister in law to suicide over two decades ago and once in a while I still have by breath taken away by it. She was a strong, happy person who happened to experience some real tough luck in her marriage and the toll it took was swift and lethal. And my late brother suffered from depression and addiction, which ultimately contributed to his death.

So I echo this post; we are all vulnerable in our own ways and depression can warp one's sense of self worth, no matter how strong they might believe themselves to be. Keep an eye out for each other and seek help if you are feeling down.

[RedlegJake]

I'm sorry for your loss RedsfaninMt and Sundeck. Not to get political but mental health care and addiction care are a travesty in this country. Insurances are very restrictive inre mental health and treatment at most government funded places are reserved for criminals. Until you kill yourself or harm someone else we don't want to recognize the seriousness.

It is hard to imagine how much pain a person would have to be in to want life to end. I've lost 2 grandsons, a wife, and now a son and I've known pain so acute it seemed to be a living thing torturing me inside, but always there has been a spark that resisted that pain, that made me want to carry on. How desolate and awful it must be to be in such a dark place that death seems to be a relief. Depression is the worst disease of all, imo. I suffer it to some degree - the milder "don't wanna do anything, who cares?" type but it's enough of a glimpse to what hell it can be that I can sympathize with those who suffer stronger clinical forms. My son suffered pretty strong depression because of his addictions - he felt worthless. I wonder sometimes if that wasn't an accelerant to his cancer - that he just didn't feel "worthy enough" to really battle back.