DEAR CAREY – A LETTER TO A BROTHER TWO DECADES AFTER HIS DEATH

2 Comments

Every year on this day I try to post or write some kind of remembrance that would do my brother Carey justice, if only to summon the sound of his voice in my head one more time. As I had in previous years, I published it to Facebook as I hadn’t really established my web presence yet. The response was overwhelming – my family and I are grateful and appreciative, and I for one am thrilled that there are many people that are comforted by the fact that they are not the only ones digging through this stuff.

I am happy and humbled to say that the very distinguished magazine The Walrus has picked up and published this story on the website. I am really encouraged by this because any additional eyes on this matter means more understanding and less stigma – which can only be good. Visit the link below to read.

Dear Carey – A letter to a brother two decades after his death

2 thoughts on “DEAR CAREY – A LETTER TO A BROTHER TWO DECADES AFTER HIS DEATH”

  1. Brenda

    Dear Shael,
    I just finished reading your article in Globe and Mail regarding Carey and Robin Williams.
    I read your article in tears because I can relate to the desperate decision these men made. I have severe depression and have tried to commit suicide myself.
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for advocating for us. To make the decision to end your life is exactly as you described – it is out of desperation to end what you are feeling !
    I remember thinking as I was passing out ” this is what it’s like to die-it’s so peaceful!” I actually had a smile on my face because I felt such relief. You can probably imagine my horror when I was revived and realized I had failed!!
    Thank you for understanding we are NOT cowards ( as I have been called by family members) we are ill and we just don’t know how to cope.
    Thankfully I have a great Drs, good meds and I am feeling optimistic about the future.
    I truly appreciate your article.
    Thanks very much.

    Reply
  2. susan

    Please look up the Chair of Suicide Studies at U of T begun by Doris Sommer Rotenberg,the mother of Dr Arthur Sommer Rotenberg, in the mid-1990’s .
    I met Dr Rotenberg in a professional situation when he was standing in for my General Practitioner. Having been there, my file indicated my prior hospitalizations, etc and he wanted to discuss that part of my life, more attention than the possible strep in my throat.He was in deep pain. I wish I had listened longer.
    I know I was powerless to help him;that’s the nature of the beast.The antidepressants that help make it possible to formulate and carry out a plan for many people.these mental illnesses are killers of human potential.

    Reply

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