Let's take a sidestep from politics briefly and discuss suicide. I'll relate the two--but not how you think!

I know it's uncomfortable. But it's important.

Who--what kind of person--do you think commits suicide? Is it the down-and-out father who lost his job?

Maybe.

(1)

Is it the breast cancer patient who's just been told she's terminal?

Possibly.

(2)

What about the medical student with the weight of the world on her shoulders and a solid case of depression?

Could be.

(3)

Is someone who is successful less likely to commit suicide than someone who is struggling?

Is someone with a lot of friends less likely to commit suicide than someone with none?

What about someone with more family?
Someone with more money?
Someone with better education?

(4)

Guess what? While economic success, good education, and more friend and family connections reduce your likelihood of committing suicide...

You still can't tell who will commit suicide and who will not.

You just don't know.

Mental illness is pervasive and silent.

(5)

I had everything. I was in an elite PhD program at a top-ranked university, and I was doing well. I had plenty of friends, and my family was supportive. I had access to care and was able to obtain any medications, etc., I needed.

But I had bipolar disorder, and I crashed.

(6)

Lithium and vodka . . .

Know what saved me? RESOURCES.

(7)

1 - Social support as a resource: A friend and a family interrupted the attempt.

2 - Health insurance: I was able to fire my doctor and get in with a top-notch psychiatric professional without the traditional 3-4 month waiting period. (I have a big mouth & am persistent.)

(8)

3 - Having a clinic I could go to

4 - Having people at home to care for me. (I took up acrylic painting!)

5 - Having people at school who cared enough to see me through.

I was awarded my PhD 4 years to the day after this attempt--in part, because of their care.

(9)

These resources have allowed me to be resilient vs the deleterious effects of bipolar disorder on my life.

That means when the disease knocks me down, I get back up. So far.

(I always have to have that caveat: so far. I don't know if/when it will become too much to bear.)

(10)

But the thing is, who's fighting for the rest of the people with this disease, or with other mental illnesses? I had people fighting for me. Who's in your corner?

It's not the Republican party. By refusing to expand Medicaid, they limited access to mental health care.

(11)

Hundreds of free or low-cost clinics closed due to lack of resources.

And Republicans want to allow insurance companies to deny claims for mental health services. That's HUGE.

***You shouldn't have to be wealthy to be sane!***

(12)

We don't know who will grapple w/suicide at some point during their lives.

But we do know (thanks, NIMH) there are >2x as many suicides as homicides in the USA.

So, you don't know who you're hurting by not funding mental health. But chances are, it's someone you know.

(13)

July 2, 2020, is my 9-year anniversary. I'd like to start calling it my Resilience Anniversary, because I did get my PhD. In fact, I got it exactly 4 years to the day later.

I am not exceptional. The experience of suicidality is humbling. It's just...

(14)

I played my cards right. I had everything going for me, and I still fell.

It goes to show that it can happen to anyone. I'm no better or worse than the next guy.

I'd like to do something lasting for my Resilience Anniversary. I'd like to build a Resilience Army.

(15)

For every story like mine, there are 1000 unwritten stories. I want to make your voices heard.

I have a big mouth and a moderate platform. Use me. Reply with your stories of resilience.

And vote for Democrats who get that this happens to everyone--INCLUDING Republicans.

(End)