Wednesday’s Warrior: Brother’s suicide inspires community through mental health awareness

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – It’s been five years since Alexander Jordan Jamieson lost his battle with depression.

“May 1, 2019 is the day my brother passed away,” recalled William Jamieson Jr. “It feels like it’s been days but at the same time decades without being able to talk to him.”

But if William Jamieson could talk to his little brother today, “I think he would say thank you, not just to me but to everybody who has made this possible. One of Alex’s biggest things was wanting to help other people who felt like him.

That’s exactly what the Alexander Jordan Jamison Foundation (AJJ) has been doing in honor of Alex.

“Our goal is really to bring music to kids to all walks of life, especially if they wouldn’t have access to it without our organization,” Jamieson said.

Alex loved music and thanks to the AJJ foundation, music has now become an outlet for many kids fighting depression, now together with music.

“This is something you can do when life’s kind of kicking you to get out and express your emotions,” Jamieson said.

Beyond the instruments, the AJJ foundation encourages everyone to get outside.

“Working out, fitness, getting outside enjoying natures are great ways to battle the tougher days,” Jamieson said.

Over the years, the non-profit has hosted outside concerts, group walks, and events at skateparks because skating was another one of Alex’s passions.

“All these events that we try to do at the end of the day its brining attention to the suicide problem in our country and it’s bringing conversation about mental health,” Jamieson said.

Now the AJJ Foundation is gearing up to host their first ever field day!

“This weekend, it’s going to be a fun day,” Jamieson said.

The event for mental health awareness is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at Eisenhower Park in Milford. There will be live music starting at 12:30 p.m., food trucks, and vendors.

Having fun while reminding everyone it’s ok not to be ok and there is help available.

“We started with the thought that if we helped one it was worth all our efforts. If we could help one person and now, I can say we are in the dozens of people we’ve helped,” Jamieson said.

If you or someone know needs help, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by dialing 988.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.