Ive been trying to think of the appropriate status to post today, on the one year anniversary of my fathers death. I wish he could be here to see how well my brother is doing, living in the big city with a job at a big accounting firm. I wish he could see me (mentally) healthier than I have been in years. I wish he could see me finishing school and getting ready to stand up on my own. I wish so many things could have been different. Almost 38,000 people a year commit suicide in the US, each one leaving behind at least 6-8 survivors (although I suspect that number is much higher). That means that in the one year since my dad died, 228,000 - 304,000 people (probably more) in America alone had to experience the same type of loss as my family and I, and that is unacceptable to me in what is supposed to be the greatest country in the world. Every day people in America are told we cant help you, theres nothing wrong with you, our next appointment isnt for 4-6 weeks, youll have to go to the Emergency Room (where they cant help you), or there isnt any other treatment available (even though there always is, its just not covered by your insurance). None of these things should ever be said to a patient who is asking for help. No one should ever be turned away. But they are, every single day. Looking forward my prayer for the world is that our mental health system changes so that people can get the care that they need, so no one leaves an appointment with a family member knowing the doctor didnt listen to their concerns, and that someday soon no one can be turned away because they dont have the right insurance or dont qualify for assistance because of some stupid governor who vetoes a bill that would help tens of thousands have a chance at treatment. I pray someday no family will have to go through what my family and I had to go through. Until the system is fixed, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-877-273-TALK. We all miss you Dad. I love you.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 19:30:29 +0000
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