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This week is #NationalGunViolenceSurvivorsWeek and I want to share my story as a survivor of gun violence. Today is the 18th anniversary of my father’s death. (THREAD)pic.twitter.com/UqIfJX7ay4
We often associate gun violence with crimes, but we know that approximately 60% of adult firearm deaths are by suicide, according to the US Dept of Justice. My dad was a career Philadelphia firefighter, and the best man that I knew. (2/10)
But we now know that he suffered from stress and depression, and that his mental health struggles resulted in him dying by suicide. I was only 13 years old, and I blamed myself. (3/10)
My mom went through extraordinary lengths to take care of me and my younger brothers—to keep us safe and afloat. But we all struggled. People blamed us; people stopped talking to us. (4/10)
When I moved to Delco & began attending a new high school, I hid the truth from my friends & teachers. I was ashamed and didn’t want to feel any more stigma around my dad’s passing. It was hard enough to lose a parent, but to lose one from suicide made it that much worse. (5/10)
Today, I know better than to blame myself or hide the truth. I share my dad’s story so I can be an advocate for other survivors. I am working on common sense gun reforms to try and save lives. (6/10)
I also am a passionate advocate for mental health care, because we all need to take care of our mental health, just as much as our physical health. (7/10)
My dad always loved the snow, and I’m sure he would be enjoying this storm if he were still with us today. But since he is not, I keep his legacy alive and carry his spirit with me in all that I do. (8/10)
I am a survivor, and while I miss my father every single day, I dedicate my life to making sure we do everything we can to save lives. #gvsurvivorsweek (9/10)
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicide, please know that help is available 24/7/365. Please call 800-273-8255. You matter, and you are not alone. (10/10)
As a fellow survivor - thanks for sharing and spotlighting the issue. Mine did the same the first week of January 2004. Conversations can be awkward, but I’d much rather have that conversation anyway. There’s always a stigma, but it’s such a prevalent issue on so many fronts.
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