2019-October-30

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Be That Friend

BY BOB ABRAMS · TERRITORY ACCOUNT MANAGER · UNITED STATES

I’ve been at Cisco for 19 years, but it was year 14 that really made an impact and reinforced what I had come to know in the previous years — Cisco really does care about it’s “work family”.

Marc during a trip to Israel in 2013.

March 2014 was the month when Marc, our 26-year-old son, died by suicide. Our world was turned upside down. Our friends were there for us and continue to provide their support and care to this day, which keeps us going.

To be clear, when I say friends, there is no distinction between outside Cisco and Cisco friends.

A parent’s nightmare fell upon us and, with no direction in this unchartered territory, we needed time. Time to think, time to try and understand, and time to disconnect.

It was the time to disconnect that left a lasting impression and showed what Cisco is truly made of; my peers covered for me, management up to the highest level reached out to check I was ok, and my customers and partners, were there to comfort me while my family and I began our lifetime journey of “life after Marc”.

Allow me to brag about Marc to make a point: He was an amazing tennis player from an early age, completed multiple marathons and half marathons including Chicago in 2014 — with no training — working in biotech in New England, and, most of all, always with a smile, the peacemaker, best friend and confidant to LOTS of folks.

They all said, “He gave the best hug.”

Not typically how those who struggle with mental illness and die by suicide are viewed. This has been highlighted in the media over the past few years following the deaths of celebrities like Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, Robin Williams, Marc Abrams, to name just a few.

We are very proud of Marc and remember him for the person he was and will continue to be in our hearts.

Troubling Numbers

One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.

Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the world’s leading causes of illness and disability worldwide.

Suicide prevention remains a universal challenge.

Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages.
Over 800,000 people die by suicide annually, representing 1 person every 40 seconds.
Globally suicide rates among people aged 15-24 and are higher in men than women.
Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in people who die by suicide.
For every one suicide, 25 people make a suicide attempt.

Talking openly about mental illness and death by suicide — and truly making it part of our everyday vocabulary — is critical to build a culture where we can embrace, empathize, and help.

Front and Center at Cisco

Under Chuck and the ELT’s leadership, mental health has been inserted into our Cisco dialogue. It’s front and center on CEC, and the lead topic on Cisco Beat, and talking about it is encouraged #SafetoTalk. This is how we make a difference inside and outside of Cisco.

It’s hard to know what to say to someone you think is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. But, reaching out can make a huge difference.

You don’t have to be an expert. Just be a friend.

Take a minute to reach out to someone - a complete stranger, close family member or friend — you can change a life.

What You Can Do

Donate to organizations in Bright Funds that advocate for mental health (matched by Cisco).
Join the Safe to Talk community for updates, support resources, and more.
Get support for you or someone you know.
Let down the mask. Have the dialogue. #SafetoTalk #WeAreCisco

Helpful Links:

Managing Anxiety and Depression: Coping with anxiety and depression is a constant battle. Seann Ritzman and Cindy Powell talk about life worth fighting for and how to find strength in adversity.
Healing from Trauma and Loss: Mark Murphy and Mare Lucas share their journeys of healing and words of wisdom for others.
If you’ve suffered the loss of a child, we invite you to join the Cisco Webex Teams support network.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

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