Confronting mental illness could save lives

In the past month, the Arab American community has witnessed the suicides of two young, promising individuals. On January 21, Asil Srour Makki took her own life, and on February 7, Shady Bazzi killed himself. Both were residents of Dearborn. Both committed suicide in their own home. And both used guns.

It has been reported by our paper that both Makki and Bazzi may have been victims of depression or other mental health illnesses. For too long, our community has swept these types of issues under the rug. Embarrassment, shame, and humiliation have prevented us from addressing these issues adequately. Too many times we deny mental health issues, believing our friends and family will just "get over it."

Some institutions in our community, like ACC and ACCESS, have programs dedicated to education and treatment of mental health issues. But one or two groups is not enough. Religious institutions should especially use their influence and standing in the community to make our members feel more at ease in identifying and bringing mental health issues to light. It is time for leaders in our spiritual community to loudly proclaim, "There is nothing to be ashamed of. We are here to help. And we will get through this together."

Let it be clear that The Arab American News does not report these stories in order to scandalize or sensationalize. We are, first and foremost, a journalistic enterprise and we report the news. Suicides in a small community, especially one in which talking about such events can be taboo, is, unfortunately, news. Secondly, we take our role as a community publication quite seriously. Reporting on these events, along with the underlying issues that may have caused them, can spark a fruitful discussion, perhaps helping someone or some family in a similar situation.

Everyone in the community has a responsibility when it comes to addressing mental health issues. Of course, we hope that those who may be suffering from depression should ask for help. But sometimes they are not able to do so. Family, friends, spiritual leaders, and in fact the whole community must work together to create an environment that recognizes warning signs, supports one another, and frees itself of judgment.

What in our culture or religion prohibits us from talking about mental health and lending a helping hand whatever we can? The short answer is: absolutely nothing. Being uncomfortable talking about it is no longer good enough. We have lost two young lives that may still be with us if we had just done a little bit mate. *