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Ashley Leia Peterson
MARCH 15, 1979 ā OCTOBER 9, 2022
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It is with immense sadness that I write this. For those who have not heard, the wonderful Ashley Peterson, who blogged at Mental Health At Home, has passed away.
Ashley lived with mental illness. She went through many frustrations and challenges with her healthcare, from difficult receptionists to ignorant medical professionals. She was hospitalised and tried many medications for intractable depression. In the end, she felt it was her time to go. It would be selfish to not allow her the escape from her mental hell, but it doesnāt make the news of her suicide any more bearable.
Ashley was highly intelligent. She wrote on her blog primarily about psychological concepts, mental health and illness, and social phenomenons. She less regularly wrote about herself, through a weekly update, which often included sweet photos of her guinea pigs, and the occasional look at her history or her travelling adventures. Even in the clutches of depression, she still managed to regularly write the most intelligent, educational blog posts. There were also some hilarious observational posts that had me in tears with laughter, such as one looking at socially created slang terms for sex. They showcased her sense of humour and proved that youāre never too old to giggle at rude words.
She authored 4 incredible books, putting in immense efforts to bring light to mental health. She even shared the experiences of fellow bloggers to help give them a voice.
Her efforts made a difference. Ashleyās life made a difference in this world. I hope she knew that.
Ashley was funny, quick witted and loved a dose of healthy sarcasm. She was curious and keen to learn. In the months before her death, she was looking at technical applications, like coding and making changes to her blogās internal infrastructure. A lot of what she said went over my head but she picked it up quickly because she wanted to challenge herself. She was determined.
She was also empathetic, compassionate and reflective. She was so many things. She lived with mental illness, but that wasnāt who she was.
She was a friend to so many of us online. She was always so supportive of other bloggers by reading, commenting and sharing other posts.
Iāve no words significant enough to capture the devastation and depth of this loss.
Iāve no words significant enough to capture what kind of person Ashley was.
Dear Ashley,
Thank you for educating me, making me laugh, supporting me. Thank you for being a friend.
I hope you didn’t feel alone at the end and I hope you knew how much you were loved. I hope more than anything that you are now at peace. Iām not religious, but I’ve prayed just in case. Love you always, my friend. xx
Hereās to Ashley. An awesome person, a talented writer and a wonderful friend. We will always love you and you will never be forgotten. Be at peace.
Ashley’s Gift – Her “Mental Health At Home” Blog & Books
Please do check out Ashley’s blog if you haven’t already. While Iām unsure sure whether her family will continue to host her blog and make it available to view, I hope they do as itās Ashleyās gift to all who read it.
The Mental Health At Home blog.
You can also take a look at the books she authored on Amazon :
- A Brief History of Stigma: Looking for Ways to Move Beyond Mental Illness Stigma
- Managing the Depression Puzzle
- Making Sense of Psychiatric Diagnosis: Understanding the DSM-5
- Psych Meds Made Simple: How & Why They Do What They Do
The post from Ashleyās family announcing her passing can be found here. Ashley’s Obituary is also available to view online.
Did you know Ashley? Do you have anything you would like to say about her?
I would like all my online and fellow blogging friends to know that I love you all. Please never feel like you canāt talk to someone about how you are feeling. Reach out if you need help. You matter and we have to hope that there will be brighter days. Hold onto that hope, always.
Caz Ā ā„
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48 comments
This is so so sad. I didn’t know Ashley and have never seen her blog but she sounds like an uncredible woman.
There is still a stigma around mental health illnesses but is less so now thanks to people like Ashley. Sharing their stories is so important.
It is incredibly sad that she felt she couldn’t carry on. That’s a sad reflection of the medical care she received. Medication might not always work, but people shouldn’t have to fight for empathy and understanding.
I am sorry that you have lost a good friend, Caz.
I’ll take a look at Ashley’s blog.
Such a lovely tribute to your friend, Ashley. I’m so sorry for your loss, Caz. š»
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. Your tribute is most beautiful.
Have a fabulous day, Caz. Big healing hugs. ā„
This is heartbreaking, such a thoughtful, tender and beautiful tribute that you have written Caz. So sorry that you have lost a friend in such tragic circumstances
Hugs
Sarah x
That is so sad. Even when we can’t understand depression, we think we know that it leaves you unable to cope with everyday life, let alone be so proactive, reaching out to other people as Ashley did. I did not know her blog, but shall go and have a look. We may think these things don’t happen in our own families, but my cousin committed suicide and another family member has terrible depression and even with the support of her wonderful GP and family members she can’t seem to come out of her dark place.
I’m so very sorry about your cousin š¹ And the other member of your family who lives with depression. I really do feel that sometimes depression just ‘is’ (as opposed to more situation-dependent depression or that which has some underlying cause and a way to improve it). There’s no way of changing your thinking, exercising or modifying your diet to make it better in those cases. It just is. That makes it all the more difficult for the sufferer and their loved ones, because all they can do is be there, let them know they love them and try to support them however possible. In some cases what seems like intractable depression can change on its own out of the blue. Or something clicks, something changes and so does how the person feels. The only simple thing about it is that it’s cruel. Sending lots of love your way and my very best wishes to that person in your family who is living with the cruelty of depression š xx
I’m so sorry for your loss, Caz. :'( Your tribute is lovely. xo
Iām more than sorry to hear of this painful news. I didnāt know her very well, but I wish I had. I ran across her blog the other day and found her intelligent, extremely interesting, witty, and knowledgeable. This is the reason I am in shock. It is a loss for the world.
100% ššš
This is such a lovely tribute Caz! It is so sad to hear that Ashely has passed away because she was a big supporter of my blog and inspired so many.
Caz, I am so sorry. I agree with you that we are not in positions to judge, only mourn for what happened and regret that we as a society did not do more.
A lovely tribute Caz to our dear friend Ashley. Your post had me in tears as well as laughter remembering those funny posts involving rude words and the slang terms for sex seems to stick in my mind of the funnies with that one.
It’s amazing how Ashley had the strength to still blog and visit other people’s blogs to say she was going through an extremely difficult time.
I will never forget Ashley. As I have said before, there’s going to be a huge hole left and it’s sad to know that I will never read another new blog post, or have some kind of communication chats with her.
RIP Ashley xxx
A beautiful tribute. Such a sad loss. I look forward to visiting her blog.
This is such a huge loss to everyone and such a beautiful tribute to her Caz. I’m so sorry to you and all of her friends. I’m not sure how I missed her friendship but she will be sorely missed I can see. Maybe because some of her material went over my head. Sending love and blessings to you!! Thank you for sharing.
I didn’t know Ashley, but I recognize her name from blogs we both followed and commented on… that’s so sad. š Thanks for sharing your tribute.
May her soul rest in peace. She was really a very good blogger.šš
That’s so kind of you.āš
Very sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. š¢ This is a wonderful tribute to her ā it’s obvious what an impact she had on you.
I didn’t know Ashley, but I wish to extend my deepest sympathies for the loss of your friend.
That’s Great Dude.šš
Lulu: “We are also very sorry about your friend.”
Chaplin: “We didn’t know her, but she sounds like a wonderful person.”
Charlee: “We Hipsters send purrs for you and her family and all her friends.”
Java Bean: “And we dogs send tail wags!”
May she Rest In Peace! Thank you for sharing her books with us.
So sorry to hear it, dear. Wondeful tribute.
Really true said Bojanaāš
Beautiful words. Thank you for writing them.
I’ve been wondering what happened to the guinea pigs. Did her family say? Or maybe she arranged for them to be taken care of.
I wondered the same but they didn’t say. I’m assuming, and hoping, that her family will take them in and give them a loving home because they’re going to miss their mum. x
I’m so very sorry, Can! I didn’t know Ashley, but I do know how hard it is to lose a friend to suicide. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone…..
Much love to you, Caz, and all of those who were privileged enough to know Ashley. It is so, so difficult to lose someone we love and care about, regardless of ‘how’ it happened, be it suddenly or after a long-term illness but somehow, suicide feels worse. I have lost people near and dear to me to the darkness and it hurts. I’m so grateful I had a chance to interact with Ashley and hope her friends and family can support each other while celebrating her memory.
I didn’t know Ashley; I wish I had. So very sad.
Well said and well understood. Medical ignorance is no excuse for ignoring people that need help. I hope the future is brighter and thank you for bringing this vital issue to our attention. These tributes, blogs and the written word are so needed and appreciated! š
Dear Caz, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Ashley. It must have been quite a blow for you to find out. Condolences, too, to her other friends and family. I didn’t know Ashley, but I will take a look at her blog. It sounds like she was a wonderful and treasured friend and advisor to so many. I lost a friend through suicide several years ago, so I can appreciate how painful this is for you and her loved ones. Wishing you peace, strength and much love, Caz. Comforting hugs for you Xxxx š¤š¤š¤
This is so incredibly sad. My heart aches for her loving family, close friends and her blog followers. She had so much going for her but we canāt imagine her dark world.
Caz, you exemplify someone who has decided to rise out of darkness to live in Godās light. Thank you for this beautiful tribute and your offer to help others in chronic pain and those caught up in the cobweb of poor medical services!
I just discovered my WordPress emails were being treated as spam. Thank you for liking my latest blog post. I was notified and your link was provided! Iāve missed watching you continue to blossom in spite of your afflictions!
So sorry for your loss Caz and for all her family and friends. A wonderful tribute to her, now she can rest in peace. Xxx
Caz, this is a heartbreaking post. Though I didn’t know Ashley, you certainly made her vivid through your descriptions. Hard though it is to comprehend suicide, it’s important for those who remain to know that the pain had just become unbearable. You were gracious in demonstrating your awareness that your dear friend had reached that point. Sending sympathy and hugs to you..
Annie xxxx
So very sorry x
Oh, Caz. I am so sorry for this loss. I completely understand her decision but it sounds like she was such a brilliant light in this world. How amazing that she did all she did!!! I hope she knew as well….I can’t imagine, knowing You, that she didn’t know in her heart all she gifted. I am sending You so very Much Love. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
So sorry to hear this. May she rest in peace.
This is so sad! I am very sorry! Great tribute! š
Sounds like you shared a beautiful friendship. Such a lovely tribute to Ashley. Wishing you blessings during your time of grief.
I’m very sorry to hear this news. I never read her blog until now ā I just visited and it looks like a fabulous resource.
Loved your tribute ā and I’m sorry for this loss.
thanks for letting us know & this beautiful tribute — I hadn’t known! so very sad. Ashely was knowledgeable & generous. she contributed more than once to my site. we are all precious…
fyi, your post is so lovely that I linked to it in my latest post…
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
I knew Ashley, and she was all you say. Loved and never forgotten. May she Rest In Peace.
This is so sad… You wrote a beautiful tribute to Ashley. By your words, I take she was a unique person and all the books and content she wrote will be very helpful and inspiring to many people.
I really just found out last week. Once in a while, I did read her blog and found inspiration in it. I only can say to anybody who has to deal with suicidal thoughts, and I know this voice is little when it is so, but I’m forever grateful that I survived my own attempt and was also lucky enough not to have any lasting disability from it. So please, seek help, and tell people you trust and care about you. You’re not alone. I tried it, lost one friend to it, and once I was a first responder to such a situation. It’s hard work, indeed! I dealt with that thought for about 15 years. Now, it’s on the brink of my personality, sometimes, but rarely, that thought would like to be back on the stage. I hope that Ashley’s Blog will continue to help people like myself to handle their mental illness.
I just came across this post and wondered where she had gone. This is tremendously sad. Iām so sorry. Your tribute post is truly lovely. She will be missed. š¢