By Michael Hyland, P.E., Executive Director, Northeast Public Power Association

The holiday season is upon us, and we are busy with the normal festivities that surround the end of the year. Office parties, family gatherings, too much food and too many sweets. We are busy shopping, fighting the crowds, or looking for deals online. We find time to bake those cookies, get the house decorated in hopes that the season’s spirit will spark inside ourselves.

But unfortunately, stress and anxiety may creep into our lives as we are pressed to balance year-end work projects and budgets, keeping the holiday pounds off our bellies, all the while outwardly showing off our holiday cheer. It can take a toll on the best of us, and every year I personally say to myself, “okay, next year – less presents, less food, less stress, less everything.’ Yet, here I am again doing it to myself once more.

I received a phone call last weekend. Not the call you want to receive. My young friend Gordon took his life. Just 34 years old. A lineman for Jackson EMC in Georgia. Its important for us to understand a gentleman like Gordon. From Gordon's obituary written by his sister Caitlin:

“On Friday, December 2, 2022, Gordon James Corsetti passed away at the age of 34.

Now, this would normally be the part where people are asking “What happened?” and where families would typically shy away from expressing anything other than a vague explanation. But if you knew Gordon, you know he would not turn his back on the truth. (And I say that as his sister, who he could barely lie for.)

So, let’s try this again…on Friday, December 2, 2022, Gordon James Corsetti lost his hellish, lifelong battle with depression and died by suicide at the age of 34.

Gordon fought this disease bravely, courageously, and with everything he had for 20 years. He did everything he possibly could to manage his depression and live through it with vigor. And he took up the mantle to help others with this illness through his company, Mental Agility. He will continue to help others with the resources he created, the talks he gave, and his beautiful memory. As an organ donor, Gordon will help save the lives of more than 80 people—he was selfless.”

It hurts to write this Newsline. I’m still in shock. I’m sad. I feel a bit depressed. Depressed, but not to the point of taking my life kind of depression, but instead the type of depression that makes getting my work done a bit more difficult. The feeling that eating a bowl of ice cream while sitting on the sofa and binge watching Netflix just won’t fix.

So why bring this into the forefront of a NEPPA Newsline? Well, where else should we confront this problem – behind closed doors, in quiet whispers, or just complete denial? I don’t think that approach is working too well. Gordon was – amongst a lot of definitions – an interesting kid. I met him over a decade ago at a Lacrosse event, and immediately thought to myself “I like this kid. A little quirky, but likeable.” That feeling you get when you say to yourself “Self – he’s worth investing in.”

I helped him get his job at US Lacrosse in Baltimore, and then helped him moved from a desk job over to linework a few years ago. We talked about being outdoors, philosophies on officiating, how to climb the ranks and get a better college schedule, the value of attending a climbing school, working for utilities versus contractors, and of course – the demons in his head. Gordon made a black and white wrist band for all the lacrosse officials in the US to wear. It reads “Take Care of your Crew”.

I was fortunate last month to be in New York for the NEPPA / MEUA Apprentice Graduation. This week, I was able to participate in the NEPPA Apprentice Graduation here in Littleton. It was a great week for them. Smiling, laughing, learning, celebrating. Simply awesome. But I kept thinking to myself, are any of these future leaders struggling like Gordon? Are they pressured to ‘Toughen up’, ‘Man up’, or ‘Power through’ their struggles? We tend to think of depression and suicidal thoughts as weak or inferior.

I am not going out on a limb when I inform you that Gordon was neither weak or inferior. In fact, he was the opposite. I will miss him. It was one suicide too many in my book. As you go about this holiday season, please enjoy yourself full of friendship, family and love. But if you or anyone you know is having thoughts like Gordon’s, ask them ‘How can I help?’ If it’s more serious, have them dial 988.

Happy Holidays and remember “Take Care of Your Crew”.

-Mike

NEPPA Training Center

NEPPA Training Center

NEPPA Training Center

NEPPA Training Center

NEPPA Training Center

NEPPA Training Center

NEPPA Training Center

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Groton, CT

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