Late Tuesday night, Democratic Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania took to the floor of the House to talk about the stigma and ignorance that still surround issues of mental health.
In an emotional speech, Wild spoke about her late life partner Kerry Acker, who died by suicide last month. At the time, no information was reported on the cause of Acker’s death, but Wild decided that it was important to share something very personal and private with the public in hopes of creating more discussion about mental health as a medical condition that can be treated.
Rep. Wild: As some of you are aware, today marks the one month anniversary of the death of my life partner, Kerry Acker. What most people don’t know is that Kerry’s death was a suicide. Kerry was 63 years old. He shouldn't have had a care in the world. He was financially secure and had a warm, loving family and dozens of friends. He loved them all and yet incomprehensibly he seemingly did not grasp the toll his absence would have on those who loved him. Why am I sharing this very personal story? Because we all need to recognize that mental health issues know no boundaries. I do not want anyone else to suffer as he suffered, nor for any family to suffer as mine has over the past month.
Wild pointed to the high rates of suicide and attempted suicide in the country.
This is a national emergency. In 2017 there were more than 47,000 suicides in this country and more than 1.4 million suicide attempts. Across our country, suicides rose by 30% between 1999 and 2018. Behind these numbers are grieving partners and spouses, parents and children, siblings and relatives. Every community in our country has been touched in some way by major mental health challenges. Removing the stigma cannot just be a slogan. We need to make it real through our actions. That means building a future where people truly understand that they should feel no more shame over seeking treatment for this disease than they would seeking treatment for any other disease or medical condition.
To anyone out there who is struggling, I'm urging you to reach out. There are people who love you and who will suffer more than you know if they lose you. Help is available 24/7 through 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK. To anyone who is concerned about someone in their lives, please pick up the phone or take that drive to go see them. Don't wait. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.
You can reach The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also use the resources outlined in this diary by Daily Kos’ Marissa Higgins.