I spoke at my brother’s inquest

Dear Delyara, My brother died after repeated contact with mental-health services. I spent two years terrified of the inquest because speaking publicly about his final weeks felt like exposing the most painful part of our family. With legal support, I organized timelines, messages, and the questions I needed answered. Today, I gave evidence. My voice shook during the first sentence. I asked for water twice. I corrected one detail when a record described my brother as “non-engaging” even though our messages showed he repeatedly asked for help. The coroner listened. I cannot change the outcome or force the system to become what he needed in time. The victory was that official language did not become the only account of his final days. His sister was there to say his name, explain what he tried to do, and refuse to let a file describe him more completely than the people who loved him.