There’s some good information in the article about the kidnapping of Elizabeth Thomas in Tennessee recently, and how some of the signs might have been missed by everyone involved. While we hope for her safety, let’s also learn something from it as well about how to keep things from reaching this point with the next teen girl or boy.
http://people.com/crime/tennessee-amber-alert-grooming-alleged-abduction/
I think what Michael says here is massively important, and is killing men all around us every single day: “As his son and a physician, how could I have missed that my father was depressed? When we think of depression, we often imagine a sad, mopey individual dragging their feet?—?the human version of Eeyore. But…
Every day, thousands of teens attempt suicide in the U.S. — the most extreme outcome for the millions of children in this country who struggle with mental health issues. As we’ve reported all week, schools play a key role, along with parents and medical professionals, in identifying children who may be at risk of suicide….
How we show up for other people matters. We can provide that place of safety in which they can heal and flourish. Too often, we don’t, though. We don’t know what to do, so we don’t show up. We don’t understand the importance of showing up, even if it’s not perfect, just to let people know that they are not alone in difficult situations. Everything is harder when you go through it alone, so show up for your people.Â
I’ve gotten some grief online for suggesting that murdering people who abuse children isn’t what the victim needs. Maybe, if you hear it from an expert, you’ll understand what I feel as a survivor who wouldn’t have told anyone if I knew it could lead to the death of another person, even my abuser.Â
