As one who studied Mental Health in college, I have my own thoughts on this. First, those who work in that profession have an amazing amount of compassion for the person who struggles daily with it. There are so many different illnesses out there and varying degrees of it. From someone who used to work in this profession, I can say with absolutely compassion- I have no idea how tough life is for them daily, or weekly, or monthly. PTSD can be debilitating. Some suffer year long with it, others certain anniversaries or events can bring on an awful episode, without warning.
In my opinion, and it's just that, ok? I don't think anyone mentally ill wants to take their own life- they want the God awful feelings of emotional pain, negativity, depression, anxiety that they have no control over, to die. They can't fix those symptoms- some medications work for a long time, while some folks go from medication to medication because they don't work or feel worse on it. Some try all these diets recommended by doctors, nurses, nutritionists. They try vitamin supplements, increase Vitamin D levels- these people TRY to live! But when the pain, anxiety, trauma, depression just gets deeper and deeper into your mind, and you can't pull yourself out of it no matter how much you try- that's what a person wants to end.
It's anguish and hell for loved ones and friends. They do try to understand and many do have the love and support of those close to them. Still, in their minds, those loved ones and friends would be better off without them. They feel they will never get better. They feel like a burden on others. They feel like no one understands them- to be honest, not many can say that they do understand them. Voices in their heads tell them to die. Some don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Just the thoughts of going to work and driving there might bring on a panic attack.
All my love to Jamie and his wonderful family and friends. Jamie was a lot of fun to talk to and was a very good online friend during a tough time in my life when my daughter was sick. I will always be grateful to Jamie (and MANY of my HF friends) for being there for me during a dark time. Jamie was always willing to listen, always asking how I was doing, how my daughter was doing.
I know he loved his family very much. Always talked about his wife being a strong and great lady. His daughters, the reason why he got up all of those mornings, when he emotionally probably didn't want to. I did hear a couple of times about that certain brother who was his rival- the Habs fan- fun conversations about the two of you,
@IrishTwins .
Fly high, Jamie, and watch over your beautiful wife and daughters, your brother and other loved ones and friends. You will always be missed by many, near and far.