"Mental illness can take many forms, and it is typically more difficult to recognize than most physical diseases. As a result, a variety of resources are required to identify/treat mental illness and improve mental health - we feel this area is vastly underserved. The lack of mental health resources is especially acute for young adults; even though they face a greater risk of maladjustment and can benefit immensely from mental health education and outreach.
That’s why I lead the "Community Engagement Committee" of Heads Up for Harry. The members of our organization come together to raise awareness of mental health in young adults, and work to erase the stigma commonly associated with mental illness. We utilize a variety of channels to spread our message; including speeches / panels at high schools in the Atlanta area. These discussions are designed to spark conversations between young adults and their loved ones; be it a parent, a friend, a relative, or a trusted member of the community. We want young adults to feel empowered to seek the help that they need, and for those around them to provide acceptance & share the support that we all need from time to time.
Too often when a friend or family member is struggling with mental illness, we don’t speak up because we don’t know what to say. Nobody (not even a trained professional) “has all the answers,” but the great thing is that we don’t have to have all the answers to be part of a support system. Simply having the courage to start a conversation with someone who may be suffering, and show our love and support, can have a greater impact than we realize.
It’s impossible to know if the presence of an organization like Heads Up for Harry could have done anything to help prevent the tragedy that brought all of us together five years ago. I still think about my friend Harrison almost every day, and I would give anything to enjoy just one last conversation with him - but that isn't possible. I'm proud to be a part of Heads Up for Harry because if there’s even a chance that our work saves another community from such a loss, then our efforts will have been well spent.
Keep your head up."