Why come back to Darius?
That’s the question I kept asking myself. But the answer ended up being fairly simple: because he had more to say.
Growing up is hard. Talking honestly with people—no matter how much you care about them—is hard. Admitting you’ve made a mistake is hard. But at the end of the day, it’s our connection with others, our ability to open up our hearts, that binds us together as family, as partners, as friends, as community. And I thought that maybe Darius had something to teach me about that.
Whether it’s fear of coming out, or frustration at the walls a family member has put up around their past; whether it’s wonder at the way someone has changed, or frustration at another’s refusal to change; whether it’s a mental health crisis, or a simple desire for help; having these conversations can be difficult, but that’s how we grow. If you need help finding language and information around difficult questions or topics affecting you or people you care about, there are tools available:
National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: adaa.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: dbsalliance.org
Crisis Text Line: crisistextline.org or text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-8255
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Lifeline): thetrevorproject.org or call 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: translifeline.org or call 1-877-565-8860
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network: glsen.org
StopBullying: stopbullying.gov
Teens Against Bullying: pacerteensagainstbullying.org
Love is Respect: loveisrespect.org, text “LOVEIS” to 22522, or call 1-866-331-9474
National Sexual Assault Hotline: rainn.org or call 800-656-4673
Planned Parenthood Chatline: plannedparenthood.org/teens