Re “It’s okay not to be okay” (Jan. 26): After reading Lorrie Goldstein’s column detailing his struggle with clinical depression, I was left with a profound sense of kinship. Seven years ago I tried to revive my disabled son after his heart stopped. I was not successful — nor were the first responders who rushed Logan to the hospital. He didn’t make it. The grief and pain I felt was devastating, but I thought, like Lorrie, I could tough it out. The final straw came when I couldn’t remember how to fill my car with gas. I went to the hospital and a team of professionals took over. Shell-shock, manic depression, coupled with post-traumatic stress disorder were a unique set of challenges. It took months for me to get my life back, to know I did everything humanly possible to save my son. I have a team of psychiatrists and doctors who helped me recover my mental health and get my life back. I also take a small maintenance dose of medication to ensure my recovery. Like Lorrie, I urge everyone who needs help to get help. There is no shame in this.
