The owner of a funeral home in Central Newfoundland is offering some advice to people who may know someone battling a mental illness: don’t wait for them to come to you.
Mike Goodyear owns Central Funeral Homes in Grand Falls-Windsor. The business and community are reeling after losing one of their own to suicide.
Jory Abbott took his life on February 21. He was a husband and a father to his 14-month-old son, and a GoFundMe has been started to help the family.
Goodyear started the GoFundMe page, saying in their industry, unfortunately, they see this all too often. But when it hits so close to home, they go through all of the emotions and “what-ifs.”
He says you’ll often see supportive messaging like, “My door is always open and the kettle is always on.” However, most people who need to talk aren’t in the position to come in and sit down.
If you know someone who is having a tough time, Goodyear encourages you to reach out and go visit them, and not wait for them to come to you. He adds that a small gesture can mean a lot, like taking someone out shopping for groceries, going for a coffee, or just sitting and sharing stories.
Goodyear believes people need to start taking that extra step. When a family is grieving, you may hear things like, “Whatever you need, just let me know.” However, he says it’s important to take the initiative and show support beyond the day of the funeral.
Goodyear encourages anyone who feels they may be going down a dark path to seek professional help. He adds that from personal experience, it goes a long way.
Find the GoFundMe page at this link, and Central Funeral Homes is still collection donations for the family.