The Superbowl has just begun but I am thinking about an interview on Hockey Night in Canada last night. It was with Luke Richardson, former NHL defenseman, whose 14-year-old daughte, Daron,r took her own life last November. Her death took her family by surprise -- there were no real indicators that this lovely young teen was considering suicide.She didn't do drugs or drink. She was a seemingly happy kid, and even her friends had no idea of her inner turmoil.
This Tuesday, February 6th, is Doing it for Daron day and people are asked to wear purple to encourage awareness of mental health for teens and people of all ages.
There was a time when suicide was considered a sin by the church, a form of self-murder. The term "commiting suicide" reflects the criminal nature of the act. For centuries those who died by suicide were buried outside of the consecrated ground of cemeteries. Thank God we have moved past the "good ol. days" on this one. We have learned compassion and affirmed God's grace for those who suffer from mental illness.
Readers Janet and SJD have shared their reflections on the loss of loved ones to suicide. Do any of you have other thoughts on this difficult subject? Will you wear purple?
Bell Canada is donating a percentage of sales from text messages and long distance calls made on Feb. 9th, to mental illness. This is the quote from the Globe and Mail Thurs Jan 20, 2011, signed by Clara Hughes, Olympic Champion:
ReplyDelete“On February 9th, mental health is on everyone’s lips.
One in five Canadians suffers from mental illness, impacting countless lives and taking a heavy toll on the nation’s economy. But mental illness carries a stigma, and many who suffer won’t get the help they need because they’re too afraid to talk about it.
That’s why I’m proud to support Bell Let’s Talk Day on February 9th. For every text message sent and every long distance call made by Bell customers that day, Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health programs. (Note: regular long distance and text message charges apply)
Join me in the national conversation. Together we can change attitudes and make a real difference. To learn more, please visit bell.ca/letstalk”
I have seen the ads on television about this, as well, and we received an e-mail from reader Janet asking for support. I will wear purple.
Like Nancy, I too have seen the ads on TV and in the paper, regarding Bell's donations on Wednesday. I'm telling everyone I see to be sure to send lots of texts and to make lots of long distance calls, shouldn't be too difficult for my kids and their friends. Unfortunately, because mental illness is not given the attention that things like cancer, heart problems, MS, cystic fibrosis, etc, etc, are, the money and support needed is not available. It's wonderful to see something very positive and very vocal in support of mental health is happening this week. Take some time on Wednesday to call some people you haven't talked to in a while, long distance of course, and do lots of texting. I'll be doing my share of both and I'll be wearing purple.
ReplyDeleteLike Nancy and Nan, I have seen and heard the TV ads by Clara Hughes but have not heard about Tuesday's 'Doing it for Daron'.
ReplyDeleteI wish other telephone providers were offering the same percentage of sales as Bell on Wednesday as I do not use Bell.
In the past, I have suffered from depression and I have volunteered for 8 years on telephone Crisis Line. The courage of the people who called in to the Crisis line constantly blew me away.
I sometimes wonder if the busyness and the frantic pace of our lifestyles has increased the occurances of mental health incidents.
There have been significant changes in the way people think about suicide and mental illness just in the last forty five years - during my life time. As a child, I can remember hearing that suicide was self-murder, now it is act of illness. We still have major hurdles to overcome, especially the stigma of mental health issues and providing all people and all ages with timely and accessible care.
I will be wearing purple on Wednesday.
One in five is a staggering number. I'm glad that perspectives on this issue are changing with time, too. Hopefully more people can get the help they need because of it.
ReplyDeleteSo much I want to say. It's good to have some corporate support. The most important thing I can tell anyone is talk about it. The more you talk the more tollerable it becomes. You will find that almost everyone has been touched by suiside.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link for a story of a more local girl like Darren.
http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1736441
Thanks Nancy for mentioning what will be happening on Wednesday and for the link sjd. And thanks to all of you for your perspectives and comments.
ReplyDeleteJust to be clear, we are to wear purple tomorrow and text on Wednesday.