Abstract
[This is an excerpt.] On Monday, August 7, 2023, our beautiful girl, Tristan Kate Smith, ended her life. Tristin was 28 years old, and the youngest of two brothers and three sisters. She was an aunt. She was a daughter. She was a friend. She was a nurse. Tristin was brave and beautiful and smart. She fought depression for a long time. With regret-filled hindsight, we can now see the signs for what they were. She never sought professional help, but her home was filled with evidence that she'd been trying to help herself. Her beloved dog, Calypso, and cat, Sphinx, wanted for nothing; Tristin spent her time and energy with them. We found more dog enrichment toys and contraptions than a single pet store sells. She had written and posted positive affirmations and mantras throughout her house. She displayed photos of herself with her friends, family, and pets. She had reached out to friends. She had reached out to family. She tried so hard to stay alive, but none of it was enough to stop the darkness. You're reading this now because Tristin's story needs to be told. We need to take action. Our nation's healthcare system is broken, and it broke our girl. [To read more, click View Resource.]
