Middle James Brewing Company, situated in Pineville, marked a significant moment on Sunday by launching a brand-new beer, all in the name of championing Mental Health Awareness.
This distinctive creation takes the form of a signature Octoberfest Beer aptly named “It’s ok to not be ok.”
The initiative at Middle James Brewing Company is closely tied to the mission of the Rosado family, who are dedicated to raising awareness through the Matías Rosado Foundation. The Rosado family’s journey began when they lost their beloved 19-year-old son, Matías, to suicide in 2021, a tragedy that deeply touched the community.
Matías Rosado, a bright and athletic hockey player, was cherished by his family. However, as he grew older, his parents, Rafael and Rachel Rosado, noticed a concerning change in him.
Matías initiated therapy for social anxiety during his junior year in high school back in 2018. Unfortunately, just a few weeks into his freshman year at the University of North Carolina in 2020, the pandemic led to students being sent home, exacerbating feelings of isolation.
His parents recall the transformation in Matías, “You know, he was there, two different Matías. So there was the Matías that we knew growing up, up to a certain point, and as he got older, and the depression set in, it was a little bit different,” Rafael said. “Withdrawals, the panic attacks, the social anxiety, it escalated to self-harm with Matías. That was one of the symptoms. Like, before his first attempt, he was cutting himself, and that’s when we really started panicking. And that’s where we started with medication was when we saw the self-cutting, and that was roughly five or six months before his first suicide attempt.”
In November 2020, Matías received a clinical depression diagnosis and commenced medication. In the subsequent year, there were glimpses of improvement, with Matías even contemplating re-enrollment at UNC. His parents pleaded with him to continue the fight.
“Most parents don’t ever have to say, ‘You know, just give us time. Please give us time, just work with us and give us time.’ And he promised he would give us time,” Rachel said.
Matías exhibited unwavering strength for as long as he could. Tragically, on July 17, 2021, he succumbed to suicide at the tender age of 19, leaving behind poignant notes for friends and family.
The Rosado family holds a fervent hope that the launch event at Middle James Brewing Company will serve as a catalyst for dialogues about suicide awareness, perhaps sparked by a shared moment over a beer.
