A Journey of Loss, Love, & Hope
On the Blog
A Journey of Loss, Love, & Hope
Honoring Our Owner & founder’s Brother on World Suicide Prevention Day
A message from Dr. Hasti Raveau, PhD, LP:
“Dear Mala Community,
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, I want to open my heart and share a part of my story that has profoundly shaped who I am and the work we do at Mala. Eight years ago, my world was forever altered when my younger brother died by suicide. He was just 17 years old. The pain of his loss was overwhelming and something I never in a million years imagined would happen to my family.
Before that day, I didn’t know. I didn’t know that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in teen boys—especially boys of color. I didn’t know how feeling lonely, hopeless, or disconnected from support could increase the risk of suicide. I didn’t realize how school challenges, peer struggles, and substance use could contribute to this unimaginable tragedy. My family and I immigrated to the United States when my brother was 2, and I was 12. Since our move, we were in a constant state of survival—focused on acculturation and building a future. Sometimes, when you're working so hard to change your life, you miss the things happening right in front of you.
When I lost my brother, I didn’t think I would survive. The pain was crushing. I felt broken inside, consumed by grief. Anger was my constant companion—anger at the world, at myself, even at him. The anger felt easier to hold onto than the deep, aching sorrow. I was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which overlapped with postpartum anxiety. I was living in a fog of pain, wondering how I would ever get through.
But when I look back now, it’s so clear: I had angels who gave me strength. Family members, friends, mentors, colleagues, classmates, strangers, and, most importantly, my children. Your love for your children can be an anchor, a driving force that pulls you through the darkest fires of life. My children gave me a reason to keep going when it felt like I couldn’t.
Time passed, but the grief didn’t lessen. The pain remained as sharp as the day it happened. But instead of staying stuck, I made a choice: I had to move into action. I had to make meaning out of the pain. That’s when I started Mala Child & Family Institute, in memory of my brother. Every part of what we do is built on the 17 years I shared with him, what I understood about him, and the things I wish I could have given him. The truth is, every single person who has come to work at Mala chose to see my pain, trust me, and believe in me. Together, we are all doing our best to keep his memory alive. Our organization has a soul. Maybe my brother is our guardian angel. I believe the universe has brought our team together for something greater than any of us can fully understand.
Eight years later, my heart feels lighter. I have faith that my brother is watching over me, my children, and our entire team at Mala. I believe he’s guiding us as we do the work that is closest to our hearts, work that is rooted in values and in love. My greatest wish is for us to live in a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and hope. Where everyone knows the warning signs of suicide, knows how to reach out, and where the care that exists is not just available but truly effective.
And I have no doubt that our team will give all they have to plant those seeds of hope and connection, and water them with their hearts, minds, and souls.
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, I hope you, too, will join us in this mission. Whether through learning the signs, offering a hand to someone in need, or simply sharing your story, we can all be the angels someone else may need. Together, we can create a future where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
With love,
Hasti Raveau, PhD, LP”
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