Welcome to Manny Matters Blog

I started this blog to express my grief after my son, Emanuel, died by suicide. He was just 18 years old.

Far from the stigma and shame response I feared, I found that we were immediately wrapped up in an enormous supportive blanket of family and friends. They braved the discomfort of seeing our grief and stood by us, holding and witnessing. We were lucky, I know.

When an event like this occurs, you immediately join a club you never wanted to belong to, perhaps you didn’t know it existed. I hate that I am there, but I am grateful to have others who truly understand. I have learnt that my experience was not the norm and that stigma, shame, blame and misconceptions still prevail. I am hopeful that by sharing some of my journey, I may help break down some of these mistaken beliefs. Beliefs often based in misplaced associations of weakness, blame, selfishness and sin. Beliefs based in a lack of understanding of complex mental health and suicide. Beliefs that don’t help.

I will try to be honest about this journey, which means some of my posts may be a bit uncomfortable to read. These are simply my experiences only, not those of my friends or family and not an attempt at some greater truth. I would be honoured if you would share this journey with Manny and me.