Ok, yeah what happened in Kansas City is sad. Still, I think the game should be played and the NFL should take the time tomorrow to shed light on mental illness. Educate our society, who is quite frankly ignorant when it comes to mental illness.
How about instead of cancelling the game tomorrow they take yellow ribbons (used for suicide prevention) and place them on every single helmet for every game played this week? I think the NFL should contact organizations such as NAMI and the AFSP and get statistics regarding suicide and mental illness and show them throughout games.
We need to show those who have lost someone to suicide they are NOT alone, we need to show our society that mental illness is NOT something to be ashamed of. We need to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness. We treat those who fight cancer like they are heroes (don’t get me wrong they are strong people and I have a lot of respect for them), but yet we look at those who fight depression, struggle with anxiety etc as weak?
Mental illness is just that- an illness, no different than cancer. The NFL should use tomorrow to show people it’s okay to get the help they need. Show numbers for help lines. Show how prevalent mental illness is in our society. Maybe get players and their family members who live with mental illness to talk about it during segments before commercial breaks. How about the NFL uses its power to HELP something other than cancer? How about the NFL uses its power to help people society as a whole puts aside?
I would LOVE a day where my friends don’t have to struggle with PTSD alone. A day where our veterans can come home from war and NOT be afraid to seek help. A day where a man can go talk to someone without feeling like a “pussy.” A day where when people learn I work with veterans who live with things such as bipolar or paranoid schizophrenia and don’t automatically ask if I am “scared” or assume those with illnesses such as that are monsters. A day where people who live with mental illness can feel free to talk about it. I truly think that day will come, maybe the NFL can use a tragedy like this to help us get there.
Post by @Sunnie5274
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The decision to play should come down to those who were there and witnessed the tragedy. If they, and they alone, decide that they are ready to play a game, then the game should be played.
Well said! Really hope this makes it to the NFL offices as your suggestions are spot on. Thanks for writing this article.