26 Comments
author

I'm a witness that things improve.

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Thank you for sharing this powerful, honest, and vulnerable story. I've had my own struggles with intense depression. I don't think I'm ready to write about them as bravely as you have here. I'm so grateful you're still with us and that I've gotten the benefit of learning your wisdom through your writing. Thank you William.

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author

Thank you, Walter. Should you ever need to reach out, I'm available.

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I truly appreciate that. I am always available for you as well. Thank you!

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Wow. What an amazing and well written story. I never would have imagined a suicide tale that reflects the beauty of human life. But this does. Every day you are with us adds some light to this world.

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First I am grateful you are still here with us. Second I am grateful and humbled by your moral courage in sharing your story. Finally if I can be of help to you any time I hope to be a back stop for your mental health journey. This excellent piece is but another reason why I am proud to be a paid subscriber to your newsletter. You have probably saved a life with this article! Thank you so much Fiskite. Her sons and daughters are ever on the throne . . .

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author

That’s, “Ever on the altar.” I was going to leave that uncorrected but there are those who wouldn’t forgive me. Thanks for your thoughts.

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Now how did I mess that up . . . ! My fellow Fiskites in the class of 1982 might cut me a little slack. Keep the faith!

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Thanks William for sharing that. Moving stuff. Love the story at the end. You are a valued Stack to me.

I can't say it any better than Charles below.

'Wow. What an amazing and well written story. I never would have imagined a suicide tale that reflects the beauty of human life. But this does. Every day you are with us adds some light to this world.'

That says it.......thank you for being you and sharing you. Joy is good.......joy is good. We both share that from our stories. Namaste.

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‘never know what is around the corner’ Ed Norris Former Baltimore City Police Chief

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Harrowing and lovely.

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Thank you for your vulnerability, which is not a weakness but a strength. And I too have those same ugly thoughts.

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author

When I've told this story, I've been surprised at the number of people who have been in a similar situation.

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Thank you. So many of us have been there.

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As a fellow depression battler who's had their own battle with ideation, this piece hits home. Thanks for sharing so bravely. There are more of us out here fighting than we realize and destigmatizing that will save more lives.

I want to offer this humble suggestion: please include the followinh link and phone number information at the bottom of your piece so it's at hand for those who need it. Thank you again and keep being well.

Suicide prevention hotline: 988

Prevention website: https://988lifeline.org/

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At a much deeper level now, I appreciate you. Thank you. And I’m grateful you are here writing from your heart.

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Thanks so much for sharing this, I imagine that it wasn't easy.

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I’ve been there, brother, and the aftermath is harder than what brought you to that point.

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I've been in that hole so many times since my teen years that after a while my best survival strategy was remembering that things had always improved when I was in that situation and were likely to do so again.

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Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to share such an intimate story. I'm sure your transparency helped someone today.

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50 years ago I was prescribed an array of antidepressants including a drug named parnate. One morning I took them all and left the bottles carefully arrayed on the kitchen bench. My flatmate called an ambulance. I had my stomach pumped but I was unconscious for 48 hours. Parnate is dangerous.

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