Lindsey Fish: When Family Secrets Find the Light
A truth revealed changed the course of a whole generation
“Whenever people hear my story, they say, ‘Goodness, we didn’t know!’” says Lindsey Fish, associate communications specialist at DPO. “And that’s the thing. You wouldn’t. That’s the reality of family secrets.”
But Lindsey has decided it’s time to end the secrecy.
“I was in fourth grade when my Grandaddy died,” says Lindsey. “He was a US Army Veteran and Atomic Veteran who endured the horrors of ionizing radiation exposure. Despite surviving the physical battle with lung cancer, we had no idea he was battling mental health struggles in silence.”
For almost 20 years, this reality was kept hidden from Lindsey and her cousins. It wasn’t until tragedy struck again, that the family started talking.
“My Uncle David, Grandaddy’s son, took his own life two years ago,” says Lindsey. “That’s when all the grandkids finally found out about Grandaddy’s suicide. It was quite shocking.”
While her immediate family had always been open about mental health struggles, no one had shared this striking truth.
“Between the pressure of small town gossip and the bigger mental health stigma that was around back then, I think it felt safer for them to keep it a secret,” says Lindsey. “And obviously, we were kids. But it’s an important conversation to have. I wish I’d known sooner.”
To Lindsey, now, the silence seems so loud.
“Everything was suppressed because of shame,” says Lindsey. “I can’t help but wonder if more open conversations could have helped my Uncle David.”
But it’s not too late for Lindsey and her family. Now the cousins look out for each other.
“We all live in different places,” says Lindsey. “But we call and check-in. I think we’re just more aware that we need one another. We don’t want anyone to feel alone. We don’t want the cycle to repeat.”
A lot has changed since the conversations began after her Uncle David’s death. But one significant difference has brought Lindsey a lot of relief.
“My dad used to hold it all in,” says Lindsey. “But now he’ll send my brother and me a text when he’s struggling. He’ll ask for prayer or some encouragement. It’s a living example that we don’t have to do it alone.”
And Lindsey has decided to share the gift. She’s joined the Mental Health Task Force and the WellWithin team to help reduce the stigma around mental health.
“We all put on a happy face and hide our struggles,” says Lindsey. “It’s important to have support. There’s always a way out. I want people to know they have options, resources, and people who care.”
Between on-site counseling at CareATC and EAP resources, GE Appliances has help available to anyone who needs it.
“We don’t have to keep secrets,” says Lindsey. “You aren’t the only one struggling. Speak up. We’re here.”
World Suicide Prevention Day was September 10.GE Appliances wants to be a culture of openness and support. People who are struggling feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way and raise awareness. Help is here! You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline anytime at 988. Are you or someone you know in crisis? Get support now.