It’s Always Mental Health Awareness Month

In the early nineties, when I was living in North Carolina, I would always look forward to the few days that I would go to Winston-Salem to volunteer at the Bing Crosby celebrity golf tournament which funded multiple charities.

Mr. Crosby was no longer with us, but his family was deeply involved in hosting the event. My challenging assignment was in celebrity support, where I would make sure the famous players were, well, supported. As well as playing golf they would visit schools and the various charities the organization funded around town. It wasn't such a grueling assignment as some of my duties included driving Oprah's golf cart and going to the star-studded events, all this and I didn't even play golf.

One event that stayed with me all these years was a small gathering to hear a new mother and daughter singing group called the Judds. The joy that emanated from this duo was truly magical as they filled the room with love, laughter and music.

It wouldn't have occurred to anyone in that room that there were mental health challenges being faced by that soon to be world famous family.

As we all know by now, Naomi Judd tragically took her own life last week and her daughter, actress Ashley Judd, shared her thoughts and grief in a moving letter.

Twelve years ago, I wrote of a close friend who took his life, seemingly out of the blue. An event which haunts me to this day and an article which I would like to share again with you again:

The Art of David

The last time I saw my friend David, he was enthusiastic about his life. He talked about expanding his photography gallery, had just moved into a townhouse with his new love after reconciling to a devoted friendship with his ex of 30 years, and had plans for renovating their townhouse that sounded truly terrific. This was an astoundingly positive turn of events for someone who had been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome back in the days when nobody knew much about the disease and many thought it was psychosomatic, at best. The simple act of going to the grocery store could have him bed-ridden for weeks. David would persevere through the syndrome, and many surgeries for stomach ailments, not only without complaint, but would always have a project going—around the house, with his camera or through his non-profit work.

I was gratified to see David enjoying life so much, because I don’t know that I ever met anyone who seemed to embrace it so well. I think that his outward serenity was the reason that the best work I ever saw hanging in his gallery, even among many famous artists, was his own. In conversation as well as through his art, he always seemed to capture the true essence of the situation at hand or the person before him.

After our lunch in Raleigh, I returned home to Florida feeling good about how David’s life was turning around for him and I went about my own business. That was at least six months ago. Last night, I received an email. David had pointed a gun to his head and fired. He died hours later in the emergency room. With all the mental and physical health challenges that David was able to overcome, the one that turned out to be insurmountable was his bipolar disorder.

Nobody’s personal story can be neatly captured in percentages, but it bears saying that nearly 20 percent of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, like David, will commit suicide. David leaves behind so many questions, unanswered promises and people who love him unconditionally, and who are just starting the painful journey of putting the pieces together after a suicide.

I am still in shock thinking about the level of unshared pain he must have been going through to commit this one irretrievable act. What I do know is that he left an indelible impact on me through our many hours of conversations about almost everything under the sun, his infectious laugh and his art. And that is something for which I will always be grateful.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Although May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I think it is important to keep aware all of the other 11 months, as well.

If you or a loved one is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to call out for help. A good place to start is at National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI).

You are truly not alone.

Please share your thoughts below