City: Tea, S.D. 

What is the story related to mental health, suicide, and/or resilience that you’d like to share?   

My older sister Brittany took her life in March of 2016, and since then I’ve battled with having to find my own path in life. When Brittany was here, I was always just following in her footsteps. In the last 5 years I’ve had to figure out who I really am on my own. Losing not only my sister but my best friend has been the hardest part. I took my grief and internalized it, and it turn into anger. It’s hard to overcome the anger when I still have so many questions. I have found a lot of comfort in knowing she is finally at peace and is no longer fighting with herself every day. After an attempt of my own and I started to get the help I needed, I finally found my true Le$bean self and came out to my family and friends. After living as my true self over the past year and a half, I finally found it is OK to be known as Butchie and not just as Britt’s little sister. 

What resources have helped you to address this challenge?  

Utilizing my therapist, my Wonder Woman mom, my dog Sebastian and many friends, I have felt the love and support to be BUTCHIE! 

Based on your experience, how can we work to build resilience in ourselves, our loved ones, and in our communities to better face life’s challenges? 

Realizing that the most important opinion of ME comes from ME and the people who love me and not letting anyone else’s opinion change that. 

What is one thing related to mental health, suicide, or resilience that you wish everyone could understand? 

To be your true self, it has to start with you.