Peter Warshaw

My experience with suicide began in 1988 with the loss of one of my students who was suffering from depression and anorexia, and continued with the loss of another student in 1997 whose family life had taken a jolting turn for him earlier that year.

As unfortunate as these events were, they did not readily prepare me for the horror of what was to follow for me in 2006. This is Dr. Lara Barnett — my wife — who took her own life on September 2nd, 2006, after suffering from deeply hidden feelings of inadequacy, shame, and despair.

Defining Depression

Depression is a disease that does not discriminate according to race, religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, educational level, or age. Depression affects nearly 10 percent of Americans ages 18 and over. Depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses — between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment.

Warning Signs

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping or sleeping all of the time
• Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
• Feelings of being trapped — like there's no way out
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, expressions of wanting or seeking revenge
• Reckless behavior or more risky activities
• Dramatic mood changes
• Giving away prized possessions

How Can You Help?

If you know someone who you suspect is suffering from depression, here are some ways you can help:

• Listen to the sufferer with no judgment
• Treat their disease as a physical illness
• Be there for them
• Communicate daily
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Encourage physical activity
• Offer to take care of specific tasks as acts of service

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Peter J. Warshaw is the fine arts director in Leander ISD.