How one chooses to respond when the unthinkable happens in life is unknown until it affects you.
Carson Ehde took his life at age 21 on Sept. 13, 2022, after a few months of depression-like symptoms and an inability to see a path toward wellness. He had expressed shame in his lack of motivation and frustration with poor access to effective treatment.
Following his death, Carson’s family and friends channeled gifts and resources into a local fund that they hoped could prevent the same outcome in others.
“We dream of a day when caring for our brains is no different from treating allergies, injuries or any other physical ailment,” they shared.
“Kids in second grade learn about the importance of brushing their teeth. We hope a new generation of kids will grow up recognizing common brain ailments, knowing how to talk about them and having access to straightforward treatment — without shame, stigma or obstacles of an inadequate health care system. Had Carson and other suicide victims of his era been equipped in this way, we wonder if their outcomes could have been different.”