Today is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. A day where millions around the world come together to remember those we have lost to suicide. For me, every day is one that I remember and miss my brother, Brian. He was wickedly smart, had an amazing, dry wit, an unexpectedly low bass singing voice, a terrible layup, and was a great friend. He made you laugh, challenged what you knew or thought you knew, and just made you feel good. He was my other half, and every day I wish he were here with me.
I founded Active Minds in 2003, following the loss of my brother. I was a college student, overwhelmed by both the stress of school and young adulthood and grieving the loss of my best friend. I knew two things at that point: that I never wanted another student to suffer in silence the way Brian had, and that my peers, fellow youth and young adults, could be the ones to change this narrative. Active Minds was born as an organization of young people mobilizing in mental health and through it, Brian’s life and legacy have inspired, helped, and spoken to thousands across the world.
To those who have lost someone they love, I know how that feels and I am thinking of you. No words can do enough to patch the permanent loss we carry, but the care of our community, and knowing we aren’t alone, make such important impact for survivors of suicide loss. Let us continue to share our stories in the hope that we can heal together and forever remember and cherish the lives of those we’ve lost.
