Suicide Is Not A Dirty Word

Two days ago, our family kept a candle burning all day to honour the memory of my niece, Keely, who, two years ago, at the age of 16, took her own life. She had suffered from Bipolar Disorder since the age of 12 and had made several attempts on her life. Keely was "troubled" by mental illness that did not respond to any medications. More importantly, she was a real person; she was that niece who hid in the folds of her mother's skirt and whose eyes twinkled when she smiled. And she was loved through and through by her family, whose faces still show their struggle with grief and loss.

Suicide is not painless, as the song from MASH claims. In fact, it continues to be a source of intense pain for my family and too many others. But, thanks to this generation of youth, Mental Health struggles are not the taboo that they used to be; a site that came to my attention today, HalfofUs, puts the spotlight on the issue and offers advice to those struggling with bipolar disorder and thoughts of suicide. In our town, people can contact the Toronto Distress Centre.

Ginny