Mental health is a universal human right

This photo is of a trip I was on with my brother in 2018. I lost him three years later, to his battle with addiction. It was the most painful experience of my life. I loved him deeply, not just as a brother but as a best friend. We shared countless memories, dreams and secrets.

What made our bond so special was his unwavering kindness and sense of humour, even when he was struggling with his demons. I admired his resilience and the way he tried to cope with his pain, even though it ultimately led him down a destructive path.

Today, I miss him viscerally. I miss his laughter, his advice, and our late-night conversations. I miss how he would wake me up at 3 AM and ask me to make him a "Sev-Sandwich", a recipe he concocted as a kid.

I wish I could have done more to help him, but addiction and depression are powerful adversaries. And maybe he didn't get the kind of listening he needed. I often stay awake at night thinking about the "what ifs".

I find myself wondering whether this is appropriate to share publicly. But I believe that if my story can empower even one family member dealing with a mental health issue of a loved one, I would be proud.

Let's start treating mental health with the same respect that we offer our physical health.