Mental Health Awareness in Memory of Jared Arends

Hello. My name is Hannah Buckels, a first cousin of our beloved Jared Keith Arends. I am writing for my family as we extend our hearts and souls to you all through our breathtaking loss. Jared lost his battle with depression on Friday, February 3rd. Jared was a young, loving, and optimistic human being who never faltered in his love for his family and friends. He was loyal, strong, and willing to do anything for others. We needed him, we needed his love, we needed his support, we needed him here on this earth with us. I never expected to be writing these words, nor did any family that came before us. We have felt many emotions, anger, sadness, shock, and flat-out numbness. Through it all, we have stuck together in our everlasting faith that he is at peace. But there is one undeniable conclusion: no family should ever have to go through this again. Although we understand that may not be the case, we want to do everything we can to prevent a loss such as this. Mental health is a crippling disease, one that can be hidden with a simple smile and an “it’s okay, I’m fine.” As a family, I know we all wish we could have seen signs and heard the calls for help. But, mental health is complex and broad and inevitably, a never-ending fight.

There are many signs of depression and the most common are, weight and/or appetite changes, abnormal sleep habits, fatigue, alcohol, and drug usage, changes in work performance, negative feelings towards self, disinterest in activities, personality shifts, hopelessness and so much more. Nearly 1-in-4 people suffer from mental health problems, with an estimated 16 million people suffering from depression. A more staggering statistic is that four times as many men than women commit suicide, yet more women report mental health conditions than men. Suicide is a leading cause of death for men in the United States. The stigma against mental health is a huge issue that began long ago from misunderstandings and judgments. This stigma has made it exceptionally harder to admit to mental health issues, therefore leading to many unreported cases, specifically from men. Men were taught to be strong and never show weakness. We cannot allow people to suffer in silence. We must be diligent in our education and remain observant in our interactions. Please join us in fundraising money for mental health awareness to honor Jared. All proceeds will be donated to a mental health institution of our family’s choosing. Jared will be missed dearly, but we know he has been welcomed with open arms by his loved ones in heaven.

As Jared’s heavenly cousin once said, spirits high, passions strong, live free. Although we cherish these words, I think Jared would add love powerfully and hug unbreakably. Four words that embody him perfectly.

Mental health resources:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

https://mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts

https://www.iowamhdsregions.org/utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Search&utm_campaign=MHDS_2023_Campaign&utm_id=Trilix&utm_content=Responsive_Ad&gclid=CjwKCAiAxP2eBhBiEiwA5puhNci2QyxddRd3TfWLu2RAM9rMkAYz_tKN5sGuzD0lBkVg6EaNtygc5xoCAMQQAvD_BwE