Janelle Brown Opens Up About Son Garrison’s Suic!de And The Family’s Journey With Add!ction And Mental Health

Janelle Brown, the mother of six children, has opened up about the devastating loss of her son Garrison Brown in March 2023. Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, she revealed that his substance abuse issues played a significant role in his decision to end his life.

Despite the family’s love, support and resources offered to Garrison, Janelle expressed her belief that he succumbed to an internal struggle that eventually overwhelmed him. She emphasized that everyone is ultimately responsible for their own actions, but the family did everything they could to help him.

However, Garrison’s passing has prompted a heightened awareness of mental health within the Brown family. Janelle shares that they now have real and open conversations about mental well-being and encourage each other to seek help when needed.

In a poignant Instagram post on the six-month anniversary of Garrison’s death, Janelle shared a heartfelt memory and expressed her love for her son. She stated that while she knows he fought hard, she will see him again when her own journey is complete.

Janelle’s vulnerability and willingness to shed light on her family’s experience serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking help with addiction and mental health issues. She encourages others to break down the stigma associated with seeking support and to prioritize mental well-being, especially among young men.

The Brown family’s story highlights the complexities of addiction and the often-hidden struggles that individuals face. Janelle’s candor offers a glimpse into the devastating impact of suicide and the need for ongoing conversations and support for those affected by it.

Janelle Brown Tried To Get Garrison Help

Garrison Brown passed away on March 5, 2024. The loss was devastating to the entire Brown family and watching them grieve the loss was heartbreaking. Now, Janelle Brown is speaking about the loss of her son and what led up to his death.

“I think for him, I would say the substance abuse was really probably one of the biggest factors,” Janelle told People. “I don’t know what we could have done different[ly].”

Janelle, 55, said that she reached out to Garrison to offer different resources to get him help with his addiction. The conversations never went anywhere though and the mother of six just tried to be there for him the best she could.

“We were always talking to him, we were loving him. All the things were there. It really just was something he could not … like the demon he couldn’t get on top of the battle. He couldn’t seem to get over. And it just wasn’t for lack of love or lack of anything,” the Sister Wives star said.

‘We Did Everything… Sometimes That Still Isn’t Enough’

As fans know, Garrison was found dead in his home in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was determined the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His younger brother Gabrial Brown discovered his body when he arrived at his house to perform a wellness check.

The night before his body was found, Janelle Brown said that Garrison sent out some worrisome text messages. This prompted her to ask her children to go check on Garrison. In a police report, the Sister Wives star said that she should have gotten Garrison some help before his death.

She continued, “I think that’s a grief trap because I think ultimately everybody is responsible for their own actions and their own decisions. We did everything. We really did everything that we could have done. And unfortunately, sometimes that still isn’t enough.”

On September 5, Janelle Brown remembered her late son on the six-month anniversary of his death. She shared a tribute on Instagram. In the caption, she wrote, “You come up in my photo memories almost every day. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like you’re gone and then I remember I won’t be getting a call or text from you and it all comes rushing back.”

The Sister Wives star continued, “I know you fought hard but in the end you just couldn’t stay. I love you so much and will see you again when my journey is done.”

Season 19 of Sister Wives premieres on September 15.