Regardless of where someone you care about is on the spectrum between passive thoughts, and actively having a plan, you have the power to care, and that caring will create a connection, and the connection is a proven way to prevent suicide.
So go ahead and connect. You never know how much it might help.
She goes on to document the appallingly low percentage of people who manage to get therapy, as well as the difference between white patients and minorities. She then goes on to talk about this in the context of the quote above, which I had not considered previously. If finding a therapist is truly like dating, and it is in my experience as well, how do we not only make sure that therapy is available, but that there is more than one to choose from?
I am, obviously, not a Person of Color, but I recognize that this quote is true, and want to share these kinds of resources as a way to help where I can.
If you have a few minutes to learn about this important topic, I highly recommend it. You should also consider sharing it with your own networks, and let them know you found it here.
The resources listed are specific to Canada, but I looked at the booklet and I think there is a lot of really useful information for male survivors, or anyone trying to support male survivors.
I love the fact that her boss was just honest about his mental health issues, and the fact that he took antidepressants, and how much difference that made it her own ability to talk about mental health. Simply put, this has to be what we do. All of us who advocate for more mental health conversation, awareness, and resources, need to create a space where anyone, everyone, can share their own stories, and advocate for their own care, without fear of being judged for needing it.
