Dan Lukasik reflects on the tragic death of his brother, Paul Lukasik, who died alone in a hotel room surrounded by empty vials of drugs. Paul, 58, struggled with mental illness and addiction. Dan learned that fentanyl was present in Paul’s system, leading him to believe it was the cause of his brother’s death.
Dan, who is 63, did not want this painful memory to define Paul’s legacy. In his grief, he sought a way to honor his brother and help others facing similar struggles. He partnered with filmmaker Mark Anthony Dellas to create a short documentary titled “My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Journey.” This film documents the challenging relationship between the two brothers and presents a message of hope for families impacted by mental illness.
The film premiered recently and will be shown again at the North Park Theatre in Buffalo. It emphasizes that those facing mental health challenges are not alone. Dan urges individuals needing assistance to reach out for help. He provides crucial contact information for local and national crisis hotlines, highlighting the importance of seeking support during difficult times.
Dan’s own journey includes his battle with depression, a condition he faced after beginning his law career. He found healing and now works as a mental health advocate, offering support to other lawyers grappling with similar issues. He has launched a website aimed at providing resources for those affected by depression.
What are the key messages of the documentary “My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Journey”?
An Interview with Dan Lukasik on Mental Health, Grief, and Advocacy
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dan. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss such a personal and important topic. To begin, can you share more about your brother Paul and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death?
Dan Lukasik: Thank you for having me. Paul was my younger brother, and he faced battles with mental illness and addiction for most of his life. His death, which occurred alone in a hotel room with empty drug vials around him, was devastating. When I learned fentanyl was involved, I realized the gravity of his struggles. It was a hard pill to swallow, knowing he suffered in silence.
News Directory 3: That must have been incredibly difficult for you. You chose to honor Paul’s memory through a documentary. Can you tell us about “My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Journey” and how it came to be?
Dan Lukasik: Absolutely. After losing Paul, I wanted to channel my grief into something constructive—a way to honor him while also raising awareness about mental health. I teamed up with filmmaker Mark Anthony Dellas, and together we created this documentary. It provides a glimpse into the complex relationship Paul and I had, revealing not just our hardships but also our love and connection. The goal is to offer hope to families dealing with similar issues, showing that they are not alone in their struggles.
News Directory 3: The film has received significant attention. Can you tell us what you hope viewers take away from it?
Dan Lukasik: I hope viewers walk away with a sense of understanding and empathy toward those battling mental health challenges. I want to convey that there is always hope, and it’s crucial to reach out for help. We must encourage open conversations about mental illness and not let stigma dictate how we respond to these challenges. Ultimately, I want to show that Paul and I should be remembered not just for our struggles, but for our shared journey toward understanding and healing.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that you have also faced depression yourself. How has that experience influenced your advocacy work today?
Dan Lukasik: Living through my own depression has profoundly shaped my perspective. It wasn’t until I began my law career that I faced it, and it was a challenging experience. However, through seeking help and finding community support, I’ve healed. Now, as a mental health advocate, I’m dedicated to helping others—especially lawyers who often suffer in silence due to the demanding nature of our profession. I’ve launched a website to provide resources and support for those affected by depression, helping to create a network of understanding and assistance.
News Directory 3: In the documentary, how do you and Paul’s story emphasize the importance of seeking help?
Dan Lukasik: We’ve highlighted the critical need to recognize when someone is struggling—whether it’s a friend, family member, or oneself. We want to remind everyone that treatment and support are available. Paul’s story is a reminder of the urgency of mental health awareness and the importance of reaching out. The more we share our experiences, the more we can break down barriers and encourage those in distress to seek the help they need.
News Directory 3: What advice can you give to those who might be struggling with mental health issues or know someone who is?
Dan Lukasik: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. For anyone struggling, I encourage them to reach out to local or national crisis hotlines and to find community resources. It’s vital to recognize the signs of mental distress—both in ourselves and in those we love—and to foster an environment of support and understanding. We must remember that there is always hope and that no one has to go through this alone.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dan, for sharing your brother’s story and your journey with us. Your advocacy is making a difference.
Dan Lukasik: Thank you for having me. I hope our story encourages more people to speak out and seek support. Together, we can make a real impact in the fight for mental health awareness.
Although their lives took different paths, Dan and Paul maintained a close relationship. In the documentary, Dan expresses his hope that by sharing their story, he can help others navigate their struggles with mental health. He emphasizes that two brothers bound by love should not be defined solely by loss. Instead, they should be remembered as advocates for healing and understanding in the face of mental illness.
The documentary aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges and to foster community support. Dan Lukasik encourages everyone to recognize the signs of mental distress and to understand that treatment is available. The film advocates for investment in mental health resources, reminding viewers that there is hope and help for those who seek it.
