It’s been 10 years since my sister died by suicide.

By Ganel-Lyn Condie

It has been a decade since that March evening when my brother found my 40-year-old sister Meg dead by suicide. Everything changed that day. I know many families share this unique, intense grief. My life is not better without Meg. As her big sister, I tried to support and love Meg. Over her lifetime, she wrestled with mental health vulnerabilities, sought therapy and had multiple seasons of joy. But the reality of suicide is about exhaustion of the soul and pain management. Meg got tired.

I don’t want to oversimplify the complexities of mental health and thoughts of suicide. The stewardship of Meg’s passing has compelled me to find purpose in my pain. Through writing, speaking and media, having conversations about mental health and grief have helped me not only process my own loss but also connect with a larger global community of helpers and survivors. One suicide is too many. There are still too many of our brothers and sisters still believing a lie that we would be better without them. Too many are still feeling hopeless and overwhelmed by pain. A decade after losing Meg, suicides haven’t been eliminated but there is some good news worth celebrating.

There are so many more voices in the mental health space. Helpers are getting help and talking about help. Many families and organizations have dedicated capital and resources to stopping the stigma — groups like the Cook Center of Human Connection and Huntsman Mental Health Institute, just to name a few.

Free resources have expanded. Parentguidance.org, mindful and feeling apps can help. The three-digit hotline 988 is always there 24/7 for connection and support.

Utah is leading the way in this mental health war. A new IHC Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi hosts a behavioral unit, which includes both in-patient and outpatient support for families and patients.

A great intersection is happening within faith communities and mental health conversations. This helps to eliminate previous teachings on fears of damnation if you die by suicide and encourages people of faith to seek out therapy and support.

https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2024/03/03/suicide-prevention-coping-methods/