I am a sad, bitter, hate-filled lunatic with little regard for humanity and even less for myself.
But when I read the news about Charlotte Bevan today my heart sank and I almost cried. What could possibly be so bad in her life that she would take the path she did? That poor kid.
This is a time for some serious questions. How and why was Charlotte allowed to sink to such depths of despair? Where was the support system and safety net to take that poor kid in hand and give her the help she so obviously needed?
Charlotte had a history of Schizophrenia and Depression, and suffered sleep-deprivation after giving birth. If ever there was a person who needed that extra bit of care and attention it was her. But we let her down. WE let her down; every single one of us who tries to brush mental health problems under the carpet, or who allow the care system specifically designed to protect sufferers to be dismantled by greedy, corrupt politicians and fall into such a desperate state that it's no longer fit for purpose.
It will come as no surprise to anyone to find that I have mental health problems. But I'm lucky. I have a support system and some fantastic people I can call on if I'm having problems. I reckon if Charlotte had been so fortunate then she and little baby Zaani would still be here today and looking forward to a beautiful family Christmas.
So, what makes me so special? Why should I be so lucky? Shouldn't everybody have the same support structure around them?
There's too much apathy and selfishness around; too many people who think if something doesn't affect them directly then they don't have to give a shit about it. And it's this kind of attitude that killed Charlotte and little Zaani; because it's this kind of attitude that means nothing gets done until it's too late; until the damage is done.
I think we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror today and ask if we really are doing enough to help each other.
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