Note: First off, read Woody Paige's article at the Denver Post, as I definitely think it is something worth reading, and around the lines of what I have to put down here.
To say that I have taken this death harder than the DWills or Nash's would be an understatement. Mainly, because I have thought of suicide, and came close to going through with it. In fact, I deal with lots of negative thoughts and feelings that circulate through my mind, that aren't really all that fun to think about.
I deal with two conditions, that can accompany each other, well, besides being visually impaired. I suffer from Bi Polar Disorder and PTSD. I can't explain a lot of it in a personal way, because it's really hard to explain. Let's just say I have lot's of dreams and nightmares and get very little sleep. I stress about things from the past and sometimes get the illusion that they are real and happening. I have had my fair share of anxiety attacks. Even signing up for a class at the local community college is tough because my educational experience was a nightmare. It goes on and on.
I can't say that I want people to feel sorry for me. I've had people feel sorry for me at times and it only made me feel worse. Never feel sorry for somebody when they are down because sympathy gets you nowhere near as far as empathy. I'd say Kenny McKinley's son probably doesn't need people to feel sorry for him. It's probably best to consider what the kid will go through in his life. Especially since mental illness could very well be something he deals with in his lifetime, as this has something to do with genetics.
I think the best thing we can do, in the name of Kenny and his son is to take mental illness seriously and inform ourselves and others. A broken hand may be easier to see than a broken heart, but that's often why the injury is way worse. The broken hand is just there for you to see. The broken heart is there to see but people see it more as a weakness, even sometimes those whom have it. The may be told to or tell themselves toughen up and to hold it all in. I'd say it takes one tough individual to speak out in this world, where depression, anxiety disorders, ect. are all just stigmatized and just seen as a weakness. Of course, maybe it's not about toughness, maybe it's about doing what's healthy.
So, in memory of a lost Bronco, how about we put together a list with information, and contacts, and organizations to donate to and help those that don't make the news(they'll be added to the end of this post.). If you have a mental illness of any sort, have attempted suicide, or know anybody whom has, share with us, if you wish. Point out ideas for people to get everything all out there, such as the arts. Ideas for anything you might think would help.
I will add what organizations and links of use I find below, later, along with any suggestions from others.
Kenny McKinley's Trust Fund
c/o NFL Players Association
1133 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Mental Health America - "Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis."
National Alliance on Mental Illness - "rom its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness."
Canadian Mental Health Association - For the great Bronco fans from up north. "The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), founded in 1918, is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada. Each year, it provides direct service to more than 100,000 Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff across Canada in over 135 communities."
Mental Health Foundation (UK) For those wonderful Bronco from the UK. (Tell me if there is a better one) "Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live."
PP+A - A site that I(the OP) make use of. It's a place to express yourself in an artistic or philosophical manner, and is aimed at those whom deal with mental illness. Expressing oneself is a good way to deal with the hard things in life.
Advice
"If you are depressed or know some one that is go to your local ER and there is a team standing by to help you. We don't do straight jackets or shock therapy anymore or put patients in a rubber room. They are probably the most caring individuals that I have met" - MCCAFFREYFAN
To say that I have taken this death harder than the DWills or Nash's would be an understatement. Mainly, because I have thought of suicide, and came close to going through with it. In fact, I deal with lots of negative thoughts and feelings that circulate through my mind, that aren't really all that fun to think about.
I deal with two conditions, that can accompany each other, well, besides being visually impaired. I suffer from Bi Polar Disorder and PTSD. I can't explain a lot of it in a personal way, because it's really hard to explain. Let's just say I have lot's of dreams and nightmares and get very little sleep. I stress about things from the past and sometimes get the illusion that they are real and happening. I have had my fair share of anxiety attacks. Even signing up for a class at the local community college is tough because my educational experience was a nightmare. It goes on and on.
I can't say that I want people to feel sorry for me. I've had people feel sorry for me at times and it only made me feel worse. Never feel sorry for somebody when they are down because sympathy gets you nowhere near as far as empathy. I'd say Kenny McKinley's son probably doesn't need people to feel sorry for him. It's probably best to consider what the kid will go through in his life. Especially since mental illness could very well be something he deals with in his lifetime, as this has something to do with genetics.
I think the best thing we can do, in the name of Kenny and his son is to take mental illness seriously and inform ourselves and others. A broken hand may be easier to see than a broken heart, but that's often why the injury is way worse. The broken hand is just there for you to see. The broken heart is there to see but people see it more as a weakness, even sometimes those whom have it. The may be told to or tell themselves toughen up and to hold it all in. I'd say it takes one tough individual to speak out in this world, where depression, anxiety disorders, ect. are all just stigmatized and just seen as a weakness. Of course, maybe it's not about toughness, maybe it's about doing what's healthy.
So, in memory of a lost Bronco, how about we put together a list with information, and contacts, and organizations to donate to and help those that don't make the news(they'll be added to the end of this post.). If you have a mental illness of any sort, have attempted suicide, or know anybody whom has, share with us, if you wish. Point out ideas for people to get everything all out there, such as the arts. Ideas for anything you might think would help.
I will add what organizations and links of use I find below, later, along with any suggestions from others.
Kenny McKinley's Trust Fund
c/o NFL Players Association
1133 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Mental Health America - "Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis."
National Alliance on Mental Illness - "rom its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness."
Canadian Mental Health Association - For the great Bronco fans from up north. "The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), founded in 1918, is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada. Each year, it provides direct service to more than 100,000 Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff across Canada in over 135 communities."
Mental Health Foundation (UK) For those wonderful Bronco from the UK. (Tell me if there is a better one) "Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live."
PP+A - A site that I(the OP) make use of. It's a place to express yourself in an artistic or philosophical manner, and is aimed at those whom deal with mental illness. Expressing oneself is a good way to deal with the hard things in life.
Advice
"If you are depressed or know some one that is go to your local ER and there is a team standing by to help you. We don't do straight jackets or shock therapy anymore or put patients in a rubber room. They are probably the most caring individuals that I have met" - MCCAFFREYFAN
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