my cousin took her life [View all]

She was a long-tormented soul, with deep and scary problems. She jumped from the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California, earlier this month.

We weren't close, but her death brings home to me that there are mental health problems on both sides of my family - not just my mother's, as I've always assumed.

I'm fortunate: I got lots of serious help early and never stopped asking for help. I don't know what gave me that fortitude but I'm grateful for it. I'm also grateful for Carol, my first and longest-tenured therapist, who saved my life, and for Keri, my current therapist whose kindness and remarkable insight help to light my way.