ABOUT BRODY

Keep on keepin on!
-Brody

Brody was a happy, caring, energetic young man who had everything to live for. He was very intelligent and had a desire for learning about almost everything. Brody played sports throughout his school years and hunting and fishing was a big part of his life. His family and friends meant everything to him and he had numerous college friends and business associates that admired him as he strived to be his best.
Depression is a disease that most people don’t want to talk about. But it can become an issue and probably every family has someone who deals with it. The Livastride Foundation’s goal is to help “you” from making life changing decisions that not only hurt you, but all the people that know and love you. Sometimes people feel over-whelmed and think there is no way to solve problems, but that is just not true. We all have choices and with help you can make the right ones.
If you ever feel suicidal, make sure you seek help from someone immediately. We will provide a number you can call at any time. Talk also to a friend or family member that can assist and monitor you. In Brody’s case, he went to a regular doctor seeking help after dealing with some personal problems involving a breakup with a girl. He also felt years of pain because of a missing parental relationship which he needed badly. He had just moved to Colorado on his own where he was accepted at Colorado State University to start his Masters program. He was a long distance away from family and close friends which probably added loneliness as a factor. The doctor gave Brody a prescription for an anti-depressants and also sleeping pills and because he was moving, she gave him six months worth of refills. Shortly after his move, Brody took his own life.
A family grieves in many ways. The most common way is to simply ask, “Why?” or “What could we have done to prevent this?” There were not many noticeable signs as Brody had a positive outward appearance but there were small signs, such as agitated behavior and inability to focus. We have since learned alarming things about his medications and how they can actually compound depression and promote suicidal thoughts. After his death we learned of things happening totally out of character for Brody. It was a tragic end for someone with goals and aspirations like he had.
Life is hard, it was never meant to be easy, but it’s worth fighting for . No one wants to lose a loved one to depression and suicide. YOU are loved, seek help, you’ll be happy you did. Tomorrow is another day, LIVE IT!