Show Caption by Laura Trujillo for USA TODAY
I immediately thought, “Good for him,” when Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., admitted himself into Walter Reed Medical Center for treatment for clinical depression. Then, wow: It’s difficult to ask for assistance and communicate your need for time off to your employer. It’s even more difficult for others to see your need for assistance if you’re not yet ready to discuss it.
I am aware of this.
About 11 years ago, my mother committed suicide.
She dove into the Grand Canyon on April 4, 2012, the fourth Thursday.
My mother hadn’t let us know she was in pain. When she was busy with numerous events, outings, and taking care of others, she did so subtly, occasionally hiding her face behind a grin.
She only disclosed small portions of her suffering to various people in her life, so none of us were aware of the whole scope or intensity of what she was going through.
Her final letter to us stated, in part: “I was too proud to say I needed help a very long time ago,” and in part: “I feel I have been sick for a very long time and didn’t take care of myself.”
Seeing that note today still makes me hurt. sharing it
