A Mother's Heartbreak: Carey Rigby-Wilcox's Fight Against Substance Use and Mental Health Stigma
He was so humble and so caring and so giving, and he people really were drawn to him and he just he would give anything to anyone like he, just he was.
Imagine calling the police to save your child, only for that call to end in tragedy. That's the heartbreaking reality Carey Rigby-Wilcox faced when her son Steven was shot by police. In this episode of 'Hard Knox Talks: Sober Stories. Real Talk.', host Daniel Unmanageable sits down with Carey to unravel the series of events that led to this devastating outcome.
Substance use and mental health issues were at the core of Steven's struggles, and Carey shares the painful journey of trying to find help for him. From emergency room visits where he was simply handed more meds to the lack of genuine support from healthcare professionals, Carey paints a vivid picture of a system that failed her son repeatedly.
She speaks candidly about the guilt she carries and the moments that haunt her, but also about her determination to shed light on these systemic issues. This episode isn't just about sorrow; it's a call to action. Carey discusses the urgent need for better support systems for those battling mental health and addiction issues and the importance of breaking down the stigma that surrounds these struggles.
Her story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of our broken healthcare system and a plea for change. Whether you're personally affected by these issues or simply seeking to understand them better, this conversation offers invaluable insights and a glimmer of hope for a more compassionate future.