PINEVILLE — Middle James Brewing Company, nestled in Pineville, marked a significant moment on Sunday with the launch of a new beer aimed at promoting Mental Health Awareness. The brewery introduced a special Octoberfest Beer, christened “It’s ok to not be ok.”
This endeavor is closely tied to the mission of the Rosado family, who tragically lost their 19-year-old son, Matías, to suicide in 2021. Channel 9’s Scott Wickersham, in a conversation with the Rosado family, delved into their journey last year, shedding light on the profound impact of their loss and their commitment to raising awareness through the Matías Rosado Foundation.
Matías Rosado was a young, intelligent, and athletic hockey player who held a special place in the hearts of his family. However, as he grew older, his parents, Rafael and Rachel Rosado, observed Matías withdrawing from his surroundings.
In 2018, at the outset of his junior year in high school, Matías commenced therapy for social anxiety. Tragically, just a few weeks into his freshman year at the University of North Carolina in 2020, the pandemic forced students to return home, exacerbating his sense of isolation.
His parents expressed how this isolation further compounded Matías’s struggles. Rafael shared, “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.” He went on to detail the escalating symptoms, including withdrawals, panic attacks, and self-harm, which deeply concerned the family. Rafael and Rachel took swift action when they noticed Matías engaging in self-cutting behaviors, initiating medication therapy approximately five or six months before his first suicide attempt.
In November 2020, Matías received a diagnosis of clinical depression and commenced taking medication. The following year seemed to hold promise as Matías showed signs of improvement, even contemplating re-enrolling at UNC. His parents, filled with hope, pleaded with him to continue his fight against the darkness that had plagued him.
The launch of “It’s ok to not be ok” beer at Middle James Brewing Company serves as both a tribute to Matías Rosado’s memory and a rallying point for mental health awareness, emphasizing that it’s okay to seek help and support during one’s mental health journey.
