Depression & Suicide

It is very hard sometimes..............

Really sorry to hear of your loss, JP.
Very admirable of you to make this very thoughtful and articulate post.

You're correct. Life is short, and every moment we get is worth whatever effort/struggle/strife it takes. We need to make sure that everyone struggling with these tendencies is made aware of this.

Thank you all! Not saying I'm happy Robin Williams committed suicide, but it's great that this issue that effects so many people has gotten nation attention!

JP, remember that tough times never last, but tough people DO!

I lost a bunch of close friends all at once, and then my first wife after 90 days of marriage. Three months later I lost two more close friends. If someone hasn't been through depression, they don't understand. I thought about putting a bullet in my mouth. We were already doing crazy stuff but I was pushing the envelope. I definitely had a death wish. I was like that for a long time. It has been decades and I think about those events every day. I never have suicidal thoughts but I remember how painful depression is.

The pisser is that it takes the anti depressants three to six weeks to kick in and work their magic. Plus, the patient needs to communicate how they are feeling with their shrinck. Different types of anti depressants work differently on different people. Originally Posted by pyramider

I want to echo this sentiment. I've been fortunate never to lose a loved one to suicide (I can't imagine losing 3). I know a number of people close to me who have been taking anti-depressants for many years. Without a doubt, their proper administration and use has kept those same people among the living. Sadly, I know of a few people who are afraid of the stigma attached to such treatment (more imagined than real), and they live in constant torment.

The worst thing in the world is to assume medication can't or won't work. Please seek the advice of a competent medical professional before reaching that conclusion.

Thanks, Jillian, for starting this thread. It's an extremely important topic.

I want to echo this sentiment. I've been fortunate never to lose a loved one to suicide (I can't imagine losing 3). I know a number of people close to me who have been taking anti-depressants for many years. Without a doubt, their proper administration and use has kept those same people among the living. Sadly, I know of a few people who are afraid of the stigma attached to such treatment (more imagined than real), and they live in constant torment.

The worst thing in the world is to assume medication can't or won't work. Please seek the advice of a competent medical professional before reaching that conclusion.

Thanks, Jillian, for starting this thread. It's an extremely important topic. Originally Posted by TinMan

Thanks for your input TinMan!
Losing three people to this terrible struggle has been difficult. At the same time, it has brought light to my life by showing me how important it is to bring light to other peoples lives.
This thread has actually been amazing for me in so many ways. The outreach I have gotten of support was amazing. But also, I have had many, many people reach out to me for help or just to have someone to talk to about this. Whether it was them themselves going through it or a loved one, many people are seeking advice on it. I love, love, love helping people and making people happy. It's what brings me joy in life. To be able to help these people in their time of need helps me remember my loved ones in a positive way.

And again, I'm always here if any of you on this board, whether we have had past issues or not, need someone to talk to about anything. Whether it is depression, suicide, a fight with the wife, a bully on the board, feeling you have been done wrong by a hobbyist, provider or friend. Anything, whatever it is. I am her for each and every one of you.
XOXO
JP

I am sorry you are going through this. I am glad you shared it though. I have know a few folks that have taken their lives over the years. The pain they have made me feel is the one thing that has kept me from looking at it as a solution to whatever I may be dealing with at the time. I think your post may make some people not feel so alone. Thank you.

Jillian, I hope when you are talking with people you have a better approach that what I am about to describe.

A few years back, I was facing a very serious medical issue. My doctor suggested that I might want to get my estate in order. Needless to say this doesn't give you the warm fuzzys. I have to admit that is was rather depressing.

Every few years, I would get a letter from the VA. I qualify to be buried in Arlington Memorial National Cemetery. Much of my old unit is buried there and there are three remaining that also qualify. The problem is they are running out of space an thus the letters.

As you read this, try to have some empathy, for my state of mind, when this call was made.

I called them to see what is involved. I didn't want to leave this to my daughters who wouldn't have a clue. I pulled one of the letters and gave them a call.

He asked the soldiers name and service number and I gave it to him. He asked the date I died. I told him that I was that soldier. He asked me if this wasn't a bit premature. I told him that I doubt I would be calling if I was dead. I then explained what was going on. He then asked my unit and I told 75th Infantry. He said that I could request a color guard from my unit. I said that would be nice. He then looked up where my unit is currently stationed. He then told me that the 75th Infantry was in Ft. Lewis Washington and this was clear across country. He then asked if I knew what it would cost to send a complete color guard from Washington State. I told him that I would no longer be paying taxes and I really didn't give a fuck.

I think it is funny now, I am fortunate to be in good health. I returned the last letter saying to take me of the list. I want those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to be buried there.

Providers are 40 more times to be victims of assault and 14 more times likely to commit suicide.

The average lifespan of a working girl is 40 or 50 depending on which site you look at.


All of us have had to deal with death of loved ones. In our little world, "other issues" often are part of the problem. We see it mirrored by celebrities who pass away pre-maturely.


If you need help, ask for it. When your friends offer it, accept it. The saddest thing is watching someone you know head for the grave and the powerlessness you feel to do anything to stop it.

Be kind to others. You never know what kind of burdens they may be carrying.