Austin Stowell

Austin Stowell Instagram – This is my father. He took his own life last weekend after a lifetime of struggles with mental illness. Great days were numerous for him and some not so bad but others obviously much worse than I’ll ever know. We are living through a global pandemic but there is another silent monster creeping it’s way into the lives of so many. His shame and embarrassment to allow others to know his truth was probably his biggest demon. Men from his generation, and vastly still today, are expected to be strong both physically and mentally. We all have heard stories of fathers and grandfathers that go something like “that was the first time I ever saw him cry.” That’s not the way it should be for ANYONE. Uncomfortable emotions are just as important as jubilant ones. One is no more appropriate than the other and there shouldn’t have to be a life shattering event to express emotion. Emotions should be felt freely and expressed to others without fear of judgement. I want to tell anyone reading this that you are not weak, you are not wrong, you are not alone…you are loved and your feelings are valid. Mental illness is very real but I believe it can be dealt with and swayed from the spiral into darkness that we have all seen one too many times. Open up to friends, family, or even a professional if you feel more comfortable. Start the conversation, start the healing. And for those who notice others possibly struggling, ask a few more questions, spend a little more time. You’ll never regret it. Dad, I love you and miss you but I know how hard you tried to express your deep well of love to almost anyone you met. I am all the best parts of you and now I have you with me every step of my journey through life. I will do my best to be the man you taught me to be: open and willing to bare myself and my love to the world. Save a barstool for me…someday we’ll cheers and I’ll tell you all about it. #mentalhealth #depression #youareenough #dontwait | Posted on 19/May/2020 04:54:26