After battling a mental health illness since 2015, Henry was tired. Medications and other resources seemed ineffective, and the battle was too exhausting to fight as the worries and intrusive thoughts prevailed. On September 24, 2021, Henry died peacefully, ending pain and suffering that he believed had no end. He thought the world would be better off without him and that the burden of his existence would be relieved.
I think he was wrong! Henry had so much to live for and so many gifts to share: dancing, writing, songwriting, singing, movie-making, and so much more. I am grateful that his light burned as bright as it did for his 21 years on Earth. In that time, he created a legacy that will impact those who knew him and those who learned about him for generations.
I am telling our story that can help others heal. Opening up can show others that they are not alone. I believe together, we can change the conversation about mental health and stop this tragic loss of life.
I love the quote, "Grief is the price you pay for love. "
I'll never forget watching Andrew Garfield on Stephen Colbert Nov 2021 - two months after Henry died beautifully capture what it is to be with grief. He said about his recently passed mother, "I love talking about her. So if I cry, it's only beautiful; it's all the unexpressed love - we never get enough time with each other. I hope this grief never leaves me. It's all the unexpressed love I didn't get to tell her."
And I told him every day. He told me and showed me. I will spend to honor the most beautiful person - through the rest of my life.
There are so many misconceptions about grief and suicide.
FIRST, I love talking about Henry! Talking about him does not remind me that he died; it reminds me that he lived!
SECOND, talking about suicide does not cause suicide.
Suicide is a public health problem and the leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide can also be prevented — more investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year.
AS OF JULY 2022 - HOPE HAS A NEW NUMBER
If you are in a crisis, call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741
988 Becomes National Access Code for Anyone Needing Mental Health Support Nationally and Locally funded Expansion of Crisis Center Network - Unprecedented
On October 21, we walk to bring hope to those affected by suicide.
We hope AFSP (The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) can help those like Henry find new science and services that will allow them to burn their light longer. Saturday, we are joining thousands of teams nationwide to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Their mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. And now, it is one of my missions in life as well.
Santa Monica Out Of The Darkness Walk, October 21 at 10 a.m. at the Santa Monica Pier.
Interested participants can register at afsp.org/lawalk
Team Henry Forever -Daphne's page
Team Henry Forever - Team Henry's
Listen to her full interview with Ellen K, here:
Daphne Carr is a mother of two, an educator, and a two-time Emmy-winning talk show producer turned fundraiser-fundraising to bring purpose, hope and joy to those touched by the health epidemic of suicide. Daphne also fundraises for a local independent school where she is undergoing a 45-million-dollar capital campaign.
She is also part of this year's American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Walk planning committee. She has been affiliated with this group since 2022, after her son's death by suicide in September 2021.
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