He was only 20 years old when he left this world. Inside his pocket was a counselor’s card. However, when my phone rang this morning, I had to inform a heart broken mother that her son had never booked or attended a session.

How many souls are out there wanting and needing help but never make it? And is that not sad? It is high time that we realize that it is not just our bodies that need a healer. Who, if their leg is broken, would not immediately consult a doctor? Our society needs to accept, without stigma, that mental illness is real.

What can we do to help and bring healing to our world? Here are a few brief ideas:

· Discuss mental health candidly. Instruct ourselves and others.

· Promote impartiality between physical and mental illness.

· Show tenderheartedness to those with mental illness.

· If you have mental illness, own it, and share your life story – do not allow the ignorant to shame you.

· Let people know when you are in treatment.

· And, finally, do not entertain self-shame.

From time to time you might find a white minivan in our parking lot and a mother wandering the woods – seeking something precious she has lost. May we all be better at helping and healing our world.

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· 800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

· (859) 545-4391 (Counseling Wellness)