Dear Maddie,
I didn't know you. I met you once briefly at an arena -- me there for my son's game, you for your brother's. I didn't know you. But I know your mother. We were close friends in high school, got together occasionally through the university years, not much contact since. But she is a treasured part of my past.
I am ashamed to say that, when you moved on, I never reached out to her. Didn't go to the funeral. Didn't pass on my condolences. Didn't act like a friend. I have horrible excuses. I believed there was nothing I could say that could be of any help. Mostly I knew that I would break down uncontrollably at the sight of her -- like her loss was tougher on me than it was on her -- and what good would that do anybody?
It all just hit too close to home. Mental illness is a very real and ever-present issue in my family. My wife suffers from bi-polar disorder and depression is prevalent in her family. The heredity of mental illness scares the life out of me Maddie.
I am constantly looking for signs of it in my children. I've yet to really see any, but the scary part is sometimes you don't.
If any good has come from your story it is that my wife and kids and I have a consistently open dialogue about mental health issues. It has been de-stigmatized -- at least in my family. And that, I really believe, is the key. I hope this leads to more conversation because it breaks everyone's heart when we lose someone like you.
There is much more I can do. I know this.
For now, the girls in my life all wear Maddie Stars. I will do more. And, to your mom, my deepest condolences, heartfelt apologies and lasting gratitude.
Frame Of Mind is a new series inspired by The Maddie Project that focuses on teens and mental health. The series will aim to raise awareness and spark a conversation by speaking directly to teens who are going through a tough time, as well as their families, teachers and community leaders. We want to ensure that teens who are struggling with mental illness get the help, support and compassion they need. If you would like to contribute a blog to this series, please email cablogteam@huffingtonpost.com
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The Maddie Project is a community effort in support of youth struggling with depression and other mental health related concerns. Driven by community collaboration and events, the project's goals are to raise awareness by sparking conversations about youth depression and mental health concerns as well as to help provide uninhibited access to support for youth and their families.
The Maddie Project was founded in April 2015 in memory of Madeline Grace German Coulter. To date the project has engaged 100s of thousands in active conversations around youth mental health and has raised over $1 million dollars in partnership with North York General Hospital Foundation towards the development of Maddie's Healing Garden and support of other child and adolescent mental health services at North York General Hospital.
To learn how you can get involved or contribute visit themaddieproject.ca or follow us on Twitter or Facebook
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