Shining a Light on Mental Health

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Rachel Short, Accounts Payable Specialist at USIC, courageously shared her personal story in hopes of encouraging others to check in on themselves and the people around them. 

“After eight years of struggling with infertility, my husband and I were blessed with a son. Throughout his life, I poured everything I had into being his mom. He was my world. 

Despite my own struggles with depression and anxiety, I didn’t fully recognize the depth of what he was experiencing. Whenever I asked if he was okay, he would tell me he was fine. Looking back, I believe he was trying to protect me while carrying struggles he didn’t know how to share. 

Just days before his 20th birthday, we lost our son to untreated depression. 

Please do not assume this kind of loss only happens to someone else. Check in on the people you care about. Listen. Be present. Mental health struggles can affect anyone, and many people hide their pain better than we realize. 

Just as 811 exists to help protect what is buried underground, 988 is there to help support what may be buried in someone’s mind and heart. 

There can be warning signs, including withdrawing from loved ones, dramatic mood changes, changes in sleep or hygiene, reckless behavior, or giving away meaningful possessions. But sometimes, even those struggling deeply may appear okay on the surface. 

Through my own grief, I also experienced severe mental health challenges. One thing I’ve learned is the importance of protecting your own mental health and encouraging others to do the same. That may mean setting boundaries, finding healthy ways to manage stress, taking breaks from the news or social media, seeking therapy, or simply reminding yourself to keep going one day at a time. 

If you are struggling, please know this: you are not alone, and your life matters. Reach out to someone you trust, contact a mental health professional, or call or text 988 for support. 

I will never be the same after losing my son, but I will continue sharing his story in hopes that it helps someone else and encourages more open conversations about mental health.”