 |
My Uncle: Colton John Broussard
April 10, 1952-January 3, 1981
When I asked my mother if I could write about my Uncle Colton’s suicide because I thought it could help other families, I wasn’t sure what she would say. I thought she would at least have to think about opening up so publicly about her brother’s death.
She immediately said yes. NO hesitation.
Too many families, particularly black families, don’t speak of mental illness, depression or suicide and it is costing lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. The CDC says suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for black men 15-24.
The deeply personal conversation my mother, father and I had about my uncle’s suicide appeared here on HLN, as did a powerful conversation I had with parents who lost their sons to suicide.
We must ALL have these conversations. There is NO shame in mental illness or depression. NONE.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
So happy that your website is up and running!! Will be checking it out.
I have a brother who is schizophrenia and it has been a hard journey. He was only 19 and I was 6 when it happened and his personality changed from day to night. It tore our family apart for a long time but at least he didn’t commit suicide. When we were growing up we fought like cats and dogs. It is very hard to live with someone who has a mental illness. Now he is on better medicine and him and I get along well, but when he was in his severe state he almost tried to kill me. In those days people didn’t understand mental illness like they do today. Thank God for that. Thanks for sharing about your uncle. It may help more people like me. I just wish we had this back in my day.
hey richelle i know it wasnt easy to cope after losing a relative i have been there i have been coping with the day my aunt died of cancer
Thanks for posting this. I know it wasn’t easy to do. Mental illness runs in my family too and it helps to know how others deal with it. Fortunately, my sister who attempted suicide survived and got the mental help she needed so badly,
Well my mother commited suicide in 96 on new years day… I was away with my dad visiting family in Jalisco, Mexico… till this day I don’t knw why I wish I can understand more about it. I don’t know if she was severly depressed or just fed up with arguing with my father idk. But I don’t hate her for it…. but I do miss her and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. <3 she was my world.
Cristina, I am the mother of four (three now grown) and I have fought depression and suicide thoughts and survived several attempts over the years. When one is in “that” frame of mind, they truly, in their hearts believe that no one cares and all would be better off without that person. Although it’s not true, It’s hard to convince someone that’s that far away mentally. There’s usually several things going on that person’s life and one thing will finally do them in. I pray that you find the healing that you need.
Richelle,while I don’t fit in any of any of your categories (age,sex, or race) I have fought and am fighting depression for a very long time now. While its not something that was not discussed when I was growing up ( my mom volunteered at the local crisis hotline) it really wasn’t something that was discussed either. Especially since its only been my 20s that it’s kicked in. I think this is something for ALL families to talk about & keep on the talking about it- no matter age, sex or race! I commend you & your family for opening up against for your loss because many families don’t EVER! My first introduction to suicide personally was when I was about 12 or 13. My mom was really late from her shift volunteering. She came home that night wrecked. She told me about a family in mourn for their 15 year old son who, during a family dinner, excused himself from the table only to take his own life in the bathroom. Because of confidentially issuesno last names were ever given. I didn’t know till the next day at school it was a very close friend…. Looking back, friends have thought maybe there was some bullying going on..
Possibly even because of his sexual preference. For friends of his & I’m sure his family, the recent suicides are probably hitting way too close to home though it’s been almost 20 years. Once again, Thank you, this subject does NOT have to be taboo for those dealing w/ repercussions, or tendicies!
my father killed him self when i was 11.. its been 11 years and i miss him everyday i wish he would have gotten the help he needed..
I grew up in a foster home in Philly. My African American foster parents (I am american indian and white) took in many mentally and physically challenged children. I am not, but for the grace of God. Several of them where diagnosed as suicidal. I watched my mother deal with all the issues they presented and never understood how, or why she did it. Now, I’m grown, and work with adults with developmental disabilities. I now realize that she did it out of love for her fellow human being. I’ve always been one to route for the underdog, the weak, the poor, the outcast. It’s the legacy my foster mother left behind. I’m glad she did. I love your passion and commitment to what you believe in. I read you comments and articles, and of course watch every chance I get. Keep it up
Im very sorry for your loss Mrs. Carey, i know sometimes men go through things that women can t fully understand because of our pride and position to be leaders in life and when we run into trouble its a little more difficult to express the help that is needed to family and the women in our life, i guess we are always supposed to be like “i got this” but thats on the outside,on the inside we re just as sensitive but strong about struggles.Richelle, i feel your pain, as kids it s hard to lose our power in relatives we need so much to become who we are, never feel like they have left us though, there s always someone watching the road we travel for us to make sure we make it home safe, have a blessed day.follow you hearts, they just might sit you across from the person you need to heal with.
Thanks richelle for posting your story.. it helps me mentally deal with my short falls in life.. I’ve had a history of mental illness, bipolar.. but through cancelling and a g ood support system which is God.. I’ve learned and became a better person, for my son and most of all myself..
WOW! Now that is what you call a well written article, it has everything in it that as a reader you want to know. Keep up the good work and continue to post great articles like this one.
All I can to the survivors of this desperate act, stay strong, grieve, and don’t waste time trying to figure out “WHY”.
I lost 8 yrs never getting over my father’s suicide.