All too often, the stigma surrounding mental health means that very few people show empathy or compassion toward those who have a condition related to it. However, this story published by Russell Lehmann, autism activist and international speaker, on the Facebook platform "Love What Matters," demonstrates that there can be individuals who represent incredible exceptions to the rule.
In it, Russell recounts how he met David, an American Airlines employee, at a United States airport while experiencing one of the worst crises of his life:
https://www.facebook.com/lovewhatreallymatters/posts/1545323212156738:0
"This is David. He works for American Airlines. I will never forget this man for as long as I live.
After my flight was delayed and I missed my connection for the second time in two days, I fell into the worst meltdown of my life while at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. He found me curled up behind an empty counter.
I was sobbing uncontrollably, rocking back and forth, while my muscles were contracting at a very rapid pace. I was sweating excessively, hyperventilating as my body shook with fear. David calmly approached me and, with the greatest compassion, asked me what was wrong. I could barely utter a few words. I think I mumbled the words: 'I don't know. I can't think, I have autism'. He crouched down beside me and let me know that there was still a way for me to get to Cincinnati later that same evening, which would make it possible for me to give my lecture the following day.
During these moments of indescribable mental torment and the greatest distress, this man showed me compassion. This man showed that he cared. Heck, he even offered to buy me a slice of pizza for lunch!
David offered to rebook my flight and gave me time to think about it, because I told him I was afraid that my symptoms would increase upon boarding another flight—that is, a small, enclosed space filled with large amounts of stimuli.
After about 10 minutes, David approached me again, this time accompanied by the pilot of the plane I had the option of boarding. David had notified the pilot, along with the entire crew, about my situation and had also taken care to clear an entire row of seats so that I could have more space during the flight. The pilot was also incredibly kind, reminding me that what I was experiencing only added validity to the message I was spreading. To the lives I touch.
I ended up deciding to board the flight. I was the first one on, and David came onto the plane with me and introduced me to the flight crew one by one. I was still trembling and crying, but this time I was crying tears of gratitude. If it had not been for David, I would not have gotten on that plane.
This post is not about autism. It is about doing the right thing, about being a good person. About accepting others and extending your hand to someone in need, even if they are a complete stranger. Every single one of us is a member of society, and it is our obligation as such to support one another, especially during an individual's time of need.
Show what you are made of. Show that you care. Rise above all the fights and arguments. Be courageous and open your heart. Fulfill your moral duties as a human being... Be like David."
This story went viral and, in recent weeks, has reached thousands of people worldwide, spreading with it a message of acceptance, tolerance, and empathy. Let us be like David!
#EveryoneForMentalHealth
