27 Comments

William,

As I sit hear and let the words and the story sink in, I think of my son who was experiencing some of the same painful thoughts and feeling during the same week. He too, was admitted into the ER, but at Novant and subsequently transferred to another facility in Winston Salem. I can’t begin to understand the feelings you or my son felt but I can assure you, your family and mine will do anything to support you both and help you along this journey. You are both so loved, have so much to contribute to this world and are brave for sharing your story. Thank you for using your story to educate, comfort, inform and offer hope to all those struggling with mental health issues. It is not a stigma and thank you for telling all people to seek the counsel of friends, family or a stranger to offer a helping hand. May God bless you, your family and all of those struggling with mental health. Thank you!

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This is so important to me and so many others. Love you Burleson!

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The comments speak so loudly to the impact you are having

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Thank you for continuing to share your story. The paragraph about the stars and the moon hit me really hard. On the first night I was suicidal, a friend convinced me to paint to distract myself (since this was something I used to enjoy). I painted the moon and a sky speckled with stars. On the back I wrote, "Even if no one notices, the stars will always see you." I still find myself muttering to myself in times of darkness, "the stars will always see you." and although it isn't always something to bring me back into the present and out of my head, it has become something to remind me I am not alone.

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So deep, powerful and candid.This is so important to so many ! Bless you!! We love you so much! Meems and G’dad

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This is truly amazing of you man. I’m so proud ❤️

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❤️❤️

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Thanks for the vulnerability and the courage. They go together.

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William, thank you for sharing. While I am sure it is not easy to put into words, your writing is amazing and I know it is helping others and having a significant, positive impact.

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You are so loved, William. And your willingness to share your words will save lives. 💜

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William b., I know it is so difficult to articulate pain. The writing of your journey , is so real, I feel like I’m right there next to you. The way you can remember so clearly the details of “the night “, I absolutely know that feeling . For me, my life became a before , and an after . Everything looked and felt differently, after. Ironically, things looked more vivid and clear, like time slowed down, and i began to notice everything. I am cheering for you , thinking about you . You have grown into such an incredible young man. I am so proud of you and your willingness to share ❤️🙏🏻

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Love you William ❤️❤️

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You are so well written and helping more people than you know by sharing your story💜

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William - my nephew is struggling right now and “semi-colon” is truly a God-send. I have shared it with his mother and she now is reading your series. Thank you for your bravery, rawness, and honesty - you are having such a profound effect on so many.

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This means the world. Thank you for sharing about your nephew - he is in my prayers. He is not alone.

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So good. So well written. So impactful. Keep it up dude!

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we’re all so proud of you for being brave and telling you story- i know this isn’t easy but we are all here for you and listening!! ❤️❤️

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