Comments on: Casey: Always Loved, Forever Missed

By: Kathy Rock

Kathy Rock — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:53:34 +0000

Thanks, Rus, for reminding us about the urgency of the cause. And thanks for remembering Casey. She will always have a special place in my heart.

By: Sara Tagget

Sara Tagget — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:03:52 +0000

Rus,

Accolades on a heartfelt and well written information on depression and suicide. The bottom line is depression kills and yet as a society we don’t seem to get that. As you said, we spend more money on other diseases, why not mental illness?

185 days tomorrow since Casey died. A person dies by suicide every 16 minutes. About every minute a person attempts suicide. That means since Casey died, 16,650 americans have died by suicide and 266,400 have attempted suicide. Let’s put these numbers in better perspective. Since about 58,000 americans died in the Vietnam War, that means every 2 years the number of americans that die by suicide equals the number of americans that died in the Vietnam War. So roughly, in the last 6 months, the number of americans who died by suicide is equivalent to 25% of the total americans who died in the Vietnam War (which need I remind anyone, a war that lasted YEARS)!

Depending whose numbers to believe, suicide is the 2nd to 4th leading cause of death of young adults 15-24 years old. In Maryland, the youngest suicide reported was 5 years old! Yes, 5 years old. About 12 youth complete suicide a day, that means a young person is dying every 2 hours and 12 minutes.

There is a shame, stigma, and silence associated with mental illness and suicide. We fear talking about these topics might make them contagious. Actually, quite the opposite happens. Studies have shown if we talk about depression, bipolar and other mental illnesses, we will save lives.

That’s what I think the gift of Casey’s life is. She and others have helped us learn more about depression and mental illness, saving other families and friends from the tragedy of suicide. I’m so sad for the loss of a beautiful young woman. But maybe, her gift, Lines of Love will help others.

By: cara

cara — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:24:05 +0000

Rus,
This is so well-written and heavily researched. The statistics are shocking and therefore quite powerful. Your comparison of this country’s response to the flu compared to depression is surely unique and makes a strong point that our priorities are out of whack.
Twenty million vs. 90,000.
Even without the comparison to the flu, your summary of the impact of depression would be enough to convince people that we need to address this. (Preschool kids??! I was shocked by that.)
Very well done, my friend. I’m sorry for the loss of such a beautiful, giving soul.

By: Carl V.

Carl V. — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:54:32 +0000

Your post could not be a more accurate depiction of the discrepancies between mental health and physical health in this nation. I work in the community mental health field and we struggle to provide quality services to the most individuals we possibly can and we daily fall short because the demand far outweighs the resources to combat that demand. Not because money isn’t out there, but because mental health does not have the ‘glamour’ that the physical-health-issue-du-jour does. It is really sad, especially considering the rate at which our government is wasting money, throwing it irresponsibly around. Okay, don’t get me started…

By: rusvw

rusvw — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:28:03 +0000

Thanks, Jim. I will certainly be in touch about efforts to work with those in need on the west coast.

Lisa, I thank you for the kind words, and I thank you for your offers as well to help out in South Carolina. I will be in touch shortly to let you (and others) know how they can help beyond our work here in Maryland. Blessings to all.

By: lisa schuck

lisa schuck — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:35:03 +0000

I went to high school with Trina Kalathais, through facebook we connected and somehow we connected….i have enjoyed reading your blogs and found this tribute very touching. I think everyone knows at least one person who has dealt with depression or bipolar, I know it hits home for me. I live in SC but am interested in helping in some way….any ideals? thanks so much

By: Jim Shanklin

Jim Shanklin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:05:49 +0000

Rus, Once again, thank you for you diligence and passion. Please know you are never alone in your pursuit to bring awareness and aid to those suffering. If there is anything I can do on the west coast to help please do not hesitate to call on me.
I cherish my memories of holding Casey when she was a baby, holding her hand when she was a toddler and watching her grow into the beautiful, loving soul that she was and is. You said it best, “Always loved, forever missed”.

By: rusvw

rusvw — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:22:34 +0000

Thanks, Lacey. It frustrates me so much that we must fight so hard for help with this battle. Lines will be working diligently in the coming months to reach out…I hope you’ll be able to join us in some capacity. I know it’s so hard with the upcoming semester; I’ll keep you updated…

By: Lacey B.

Lacey B. — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:31:50 +0000

VW-

You wrote this beautifully, as always. It is definitely hard to believe that this was truly 6months ago; it’s almost like yesterday. Casey definitely had a tough battle for many years and you made it clear what many others should be doing and look to; amazing.