Today Is World Suicide Prevention Day
Imagine sitting at a dinner party, making polite chatter with the guests at the round table, sipping fine wine with your dinner, wondering if they’ll be serving chicken or pork. People talk about their day, current events. Then one guest at the table says clearly, and very slowly, “well, I pulled the car into the garage today and sat in there with it running for 90 minutes trying to kill myself.”
Little jolting, eh? That’s the personal story Julie K. Hersh shared with a group of CONTACT supporters gathered at the Ritz Carlton early this morning to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Julie is the author of Struck by Living: From Depression to Hope, a Dallas writer, mother and friend. We met in 2003 in a writing class I took as I embarked upon the changes in my life brought on by an empty nest. We bonded over our mutual love of words. Her book was conceived in the class and published last April. CONTACT is a Dallas organization of local volunteers and mental health experts who try their hardest to prevent suicide. One in five people in this country suffer from depression, says Dr.Madhukar H. Trivedi, Professor of Psychiatry and Betty Jo Hay Distinguished Chair in Mental Health, plus Chief, Division of Mood Disorders at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and my table-mate. (Typing in all those titles gives me depression!) He told me that UT is the center now of a tremendous amount of research into the brain and what it does, how it reacts to anti-depressant meds. Dr. Trivedi said they are just learning that the brain can actually re-generate cells, or neurons, basically replenish. And shocker — electro convulsive therapy (ECT) has an 80% efficacy in treating depression — a higher rate even than anti-depressants. ECT has been given a bad rap by the media, said Julie — recall One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest? — but it was one thing that helped her on the road to recovery.
Julie is bravely sharing her success in battling depression so she can help lift others out of the abyss.
“You want to commit suicide because you think you are a complete burden to the world,” she said. “Through my research, I learned how very devastating suicide is for those who are left behind. Knowing that has made me realize that even if I live my life as a complete blob, it’s far better to be here and be alive for my loved ones, than the alternative.”
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13 comments
Julie’s book was quite good I thought. I wrote a KERA commentary on suicide after the suicide death of a friend earlier this year. Julie heard it and was kind to send me a copy, which I really enjoyed. Julie’s story of survival was quite moving, and I think would be a real encouraging thing for someone to read who is coping with depression.
glad you mentioned it here.
Thank you Candy and Bill Holston! Candy you are fast girl – I got back from my talk in Fort Worth for the Veteran’s Administration and presto – there was your blog. I thought I was being productive today with two talks before noon – you have me beat. I plan to kick back tonight and do NOTHING. Speaking again Sunday for the Dallas Public Library would love to see some of your readers there!
http://www.dallaslibraryfriends.org/
Candy, thank you so much for your support of of this day of awareness. I hope people will seek out our site to learn more about depression and suicide and how they can help other or reach out for help themselves! Thank you for joining us today!
Candy, I join those who thank you for your sensivity for addressing this issue. Many of us have been confronted with those who have chosen this path and have lived with the aftermath. Julie is a brave soul,who deserves to be commended for her transparency in telling her journey.
Interesting. I learned something, so rare on this blog. But I am depressed because you have not covered Day 354 of Zac’s quitting smoking.
I actually think I’ll read this book. Depression affects many, many more people than we realize. I’d love to see D write more about these topics or what kinds of research is going on at the medical school rather than the best pancakes. Great post.
Julie is a wonderful woman. The verybest to her and we hope she spreads her magic to more and more. Charming to see this story.
I have heard from so many people that Julie’s talk was amazing. I have heard her many times and each time I get something different out of it.. If you get an opportunity to hear her please do and READ the book.. it’s amazing and a great way to understand what may be happening to you or someone you love. http://www.sturckbyliving.com
Candy thanks for the post and Julie thanks for the book and the work you are doing “one talk at a time” you are making a difference.
This is a very touching post and you handled the topic with sensitivity. Thank you from those of us who know the pain of depression…and sucide… first hand. It is something we want to bury, and painful to unearth, but unearth we must for the sake of those who suffer. And trust me, there are many. Much thanks and love to Julie.
Great work Julie and thanks to Candy for posting!
This is a great post. Julie was put on this earth to do exactly what she’s doing – helping others and guiding them through difficult times. She reached out to a friend of mine – a stranger to her – within one hour of hearing about a personal struggle he was having. I met her recently and she is an angel on earth.
One of my friends succeeded in her quest to end her life. I wish I knew more about Julie’s book and tour back in January. I am so thankful Julie found the courage to spread the word and make an amazing impact in our hush-hush community. Sweeping depression under the mat doesn’t help those who need it the most. Please reach out to friends and family – let them know how much you care before it’s too late.
Julie’s story is one that I wish could be read by everyone because whether or not it is known, most everyone either knows or will know someone that has experienced depression in their life. As a suicide survivor I felt as though I was better able to understand the thought process of someone going through such pain. Julie should be commended for her brave, honest and raw look at herself and being courageous enough to share it with all of us. THANK YOU, Julie!!!