Icarus Roberts
After numerous suicide attempts, Icarus knew they needed to learn how to live with their illness instead of avoiding it.
“Most people will try and tell you that things will get better, and they will, but I find that sentiment unhelpful when I am depressed. Rather, I find it more helpful to think about the way emotions are fluid. While happiness may come and go, so will sadness. Nothing is permanent, and you have the power to get yourself out of your depression.”
For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Icarus wants to tell their story to help others, but most importantly, wants to continue to help themselves as a reminder of the power they have and the work they’ve done to get better.
Icarus has struggled with mental illness since their teen years and came to Research Psychiatric Center (RPC) believing their diagnosis controlled them. They were depressed, felt hopeless and attempted suicide numerous times. Knowing they needed help, Icarus entered RPC’s Adolescent Inpatient Program and Partial Hospitalization Program. As someone with depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder, they would find themselves in phases of depression where they could not see beyond the current situation and struggles. During their stay at RPC, they learned about ways to cope with their illness, patterns of thinking that kept them stuck, and most importantly, they learned how to live with their illness rather than trying to shoo it away. Icarus left RPC taking control over their diagnosis, feeling more hopeful and confident.
“Icarus’ transformation was amazing to witness,” said Ashley Notestine, Mental Health Professional in RPC’s Partial Hospitalization Program. “Icarus worked heavily to improve their relationship with themselves through use of mindfulness and self-compassion that improved their sense of self-worth. I am so proud of Icarus’ commitment to get healthier and it was shown very much by the smiles, laughs and humor.”
Icarus knows that they will never be completely “healed.” But, learning to live with the illness has proven to be helpful in their journey as they spent too many years being resentful.
“I can be a person with BPD, depression, anxiety, etc. and still have value and find worth in living. Having supportive people has also been incredibly important to me. In the darkest moments, having bright people like my amazing friends has been invaluable to my healing journey. When I can’t find the value in myself, they help me realize it.”
They know that giving advice to others is hard as each person and child is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. But, they want parents to listen to their child, take them seriously, and get them the resources they need without judgement. The only thing that matters is the well-being of the child.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please call RPC at (816) 444-8161 for information on our programs. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.