Patrick J. Kennedy is calling on the nation to take action following the death of his cousin,Saoirse Kennedy Hill.
The former Rhode Island Congressman, 52, opened up toNBC Nightly Newson Friday, where he emphasized the need for more attention on mental health after his cousin, whospoke candidly about her battle with depression, died from anapparent overdose.
Patrick, who is the son of Ted Kennedy, also praised Saoirse, 22, as a “hero” for being open about her struggles, continuing to push the conversation forward, and getting professional help when she needed it.
“And we mourn her loss but her memory will live on as someone who wasn’t going to keep silent and wasn’t going to be feeling as if she had something shameful, but rather something medical that she sought treatment for,” he continued.
“This affects every single family in America,” Patrick added. “It’s way past time that we deal with this in a way that we would deal with any other public health crisis.”
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images; Kerry Kennedy/Twitter
Patrick also echoed his sentiments earlier in the day on Twitter, where he wrote several heartfelt messages in the wake of the devastating news.
The former politician first posted a gorgeous shot of his younger cousin andwrote on Twitter, “Saoirse will always remain in our hearts. She is loved and will be deeply missed.”
He then went on to share Saoirse’semotionally-raw essay for her high school’s student newspaper, where the then 19-year-old wrote candidly of her own mental health struggles, including her time in a treatment facility after a suicide attempt.
Patrick J. Kennedy.Aaron Davidson/Getty Images
In his tweets, Patrick encouraged his followers to read Saoirse’s words before urging for the nationwide stigma around mental health to end.
“Saoirse’s sincere account of her depression is a powerful reminder of how so many people suffer alone and feel isolated,” he wrote alongside the link to the published piece. “I am proud Saoirse was able to be open and tell her story. I encourage everyone to read her words.”
“Feel what she felt. Do whatever you can from your position in life to stop the isolation, the stigma, and the devastating lack of acknowledgment that often leads to tragedy,”he continued.
“Families across the nation, including ours, are suffering,” Patrick finished. “We must come out of the shadows.”
A source close to the Kennedy family told PEOPLE that Saoirse was found at her grandmotherEthel Kennedy‘s home Thursday after an apparent overdose.
On Friday, the local prosecutor’s officeconfirmed that police responded to the scene, in Hyannis Port, one day earlier at about 3 p.m.
The Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office did not specify the nature of the police call in their statement on Friday, beyond saying that Saoirse was found unresponsive at the scene and pronounced dead at a local hospital.
“An autopsy performed today has revealed no trauma inconsistent with lifesaving measures,” prosecutors said. “The cause and manner of death are pending the toxicology report.”
Both local and state police are currently investigating, according to the D.A.’s office.
Saoirse Kennedy
Shortly after the tragedy, the famous political family confirmed the news of Saoirse’s death in a statement to PEOPLE.
Family matriarchEthel, 91, also said of her granddaughter’s unexpected passing, “The world is a little less beautiful today.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “home” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
If you are struggling with addiction issues, please contact the SAMHSA substance abuse helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
source: people.com
