My day began with some sad news.  I had an email from a clergy colleague telling that a pastor had taken his life by suicide.  He had a history of being treated for depression.  My mind immediately went to how I felt in 2004 when I was diagnosed with depression.  In my case I did not ever seriously contemplate suicide.  But many people with depression at least consider suicide.  And like the report I received today, some patients actually implement a plan that takes their life.

The image I chose for this post spells out several words that are a part of the depression journey.  Unfortunately many people with depression feel shame for not being able to deal with their emotions and overcome the feelings they experience.  Depression itself is nothing to be ashamed about.  How we handle it has a big difference in how completely we get our lives back together and move forward.

In hospital life I periodically have the experience of talking with family members of a patient who has attempted suicide.  These are always situations loaded with emotions.  In the time following an attempt at suicide family members often wonder what signs they missed that things were so serious for the patient.  Often times there are just no easy answers.  I feel it is essential for people to know the symptoms of depression and encourage people we know who exhibit them to get treatment.  Part of this encouragement can take the form of displaying a willingness to walk alongside them on the treatment journey.  Knowing you are not alone and have a person you trust who understands I feel can make a big difference and potentially reduce the number of suicide attempts.  Sure it takes time, but time is a small investment to prevent someone from taking their life.