my cousin took her life

[Not Heidi]

She was a long-tormented soul, with deep and scary problems. She jumped from the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California, earlier this month.

We weren't close, but her death brings home to me that there are mental health problems on both sides of my family - not just my mother's, as I've always assumed.

I'm fortunate: I got lots of serious help early and never stopped asking for help. I don't know what gave me that fortitude but I'm grateful for it. I'm also grateful for Carol, my first and longest-tenured therapist, who saved my life, and for Keri, my current therapist whose kindness and remarkable insight help to light my way.

[sheshe2]

1. I am so sorry for your loss, Not Heidi.

Also glad that you are getting the help that you need. Be well.

[Not Heidi]

8. Thank you, sheshe. n/t

[cilla4progress]

2. I am grateful for your help as well, Not Heidi.

Blessings to your cousin and family. I'm very sorry.

[Not Heidi]

9. Thank you, cilla

For your kind words

[spooky3]

3. I'm sorry about your cousin. Glad that you are getting the help

You need.

[Not Heidi]

10. Thank you, Spooky. n/t

[Karadeniz]

4. Poor, troubled soul! I wish she'd been like you and gotten help. Sympathy to the whole family...

[Not Heidi]

11. Thank you, Karadeniz. n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

5. My condolences. My sister committed suicide 6 years ago yestrrday.

[Not Heidi]

12. Thank you, stinkingfeeling.

I'm very sorry you lost your sister. I can't imagine the pain. I'm so sorry.

[barbtries]

6. I'm sorry for your loss

and for her and all of her loved ones.

[Not Heidi]

13. Thank you, barbtries. n/t

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. I am so sorry.

Asking for help, getting help, is so important.

[Not Heidi]

14. Thank you, PoindexterO. n/t

[Not Heidi]

15. I just realized that my last sentence

sounds like an Oscar-acceptance speech!

Always wanted to write one of those . . .

[NNadir]

16. I'm very sorry. When I was a young man, a housemate jumped off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in...

Long Beach.

During episodes of sanity, he was one of the nicest people in the world, very talented, very bright.

I have never stopped thinking of how much a cure for his schizophrenia might have saved.

It was very sad. His insurance coverage ran out when he was hospitalized, and he killed himself shortly afterwards.

He also tried suicide at home in our house, but we managed to get him to a hospital. He lived about six months after that event.

I'm very sorry about your cousin; but I'm very happy you've come through.

All the best, and condolences.

[Not Heidi]

18. Thank you, Nnadir.

I'm very sorry you've experienced this type of loss.

[CaptainTruth]

17. I am so so sorry...

[Not Heidi]

19. Thank you, Captain. n/t

[Wicked Blue]

20. You have my sympathy

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Not Heidi]

24. Thank you, Wicked. n/t

[crickets]

21. I am so sorry.

I lost a dear cousin in the last year in the same way. He was so loved and didn't lack for medical care, but he just gave up. Mental health issues can be cruel as hell. So many hugs.

[Not Heidi]

25. Thank you, crickets.

I am very sorry you lost your cousin in this way.

[area51]

22. I'm sorry for your loss.

[Not Heidi]

26. Thank you, area51. n/t

[Joinfortmill]

23. Prayers

[Not Heidi]

27. Thank you, Joinfortmill. n/t

[vercetti2021]

28. I'm so sorry

[Not Heidi]

30. Thank you, vercetti. n/t

[Permanut]

29. Her legacy is a reminder..

of how fragile we can be. Thanks for sharing this.

[Not Heidi]

31. I had to, Permanut

I had to tell someone.

[hamsterjill]

32. I'm very sorry.

A good friend of mine took her own life about 15 years ago. Her mom had done the same thing so I am convinced there are genetic components.

I am glad you sought and received help. We all need it at some point and it is a strength to know when to ask for it.

Sending a hug.

[Not Heidi]

33. Thank you, hamsterjill

I'm very sorry you lost your friend in this way. It hurts, I know.

[debm55]

34. Oh, Not Heidi, I am so sorry. Your gave me the strenght to write my story about mental health issues

and abuse. You are loved and apreciated by so many people. And you were strong enough to get help. I am so sorry for your cousin and the thought that she had no other way out of the darkness. Peace to you. Love, Debbie

[Not Heidi]

35. thank you, Debbie.

I'm glad you were able to write about your story. It hurt to read; so much resonated. It's horrifying to know these kinds of abuse go on in every walk of life.

But you're strong enough to put it out there. That's pretty great. ❤️