Owen Wilson/Eddie Griffin/T.O.

Sorry but I feel compelled to take a serious turn here. At least three times within the past year or so someone prominent has allegedly committed or allegedly attempted to commit suicide and in each instance, a number of news stories have quoted some "friend" or "spokesperson" or "inside source" wondering why these people would have anything so bad in their lives that they would kill themself. In several instances, these stories have included quotes along the lines of they've got money or they're rich and famous, so what's their problem.

I just hope no one here thinks that. I am not a doctor, but in reading about this, I have learned that overwhelmingly people commit suicide due to some acute depression or psychiatric disorder, often aggravated by addiction, and yes, sometimes triggered (but not originally caused) by external events. People with extreme tendency to impulsive behavior, which itself is a symptom of some mental disorders, are also at risk. Men are three to five times more likely to commit suicide than women, and elderly men are at the highest risk. Here's the thing I hope all of you know-you can suffer from depression or mental illness no matter how much money or fame or popularity or material wealth you have. So I hope no one thinks that just because someone has money or any of those things they can't suffer from depression or even be at risk for suicide.

One of the kindest and most intelligent, successful lawyers I ever knew committed suicide a few years ago and it shocked everyone who knew him. He was a highly successful (i.e. rich) trial lawyer, very prominent in the Bar, and had been elected to the Court of Appeals and was very highly respected by all. Every time I talked with him (usually at some legal function) he was cheerful, eager to talk to me and others, and always appeared very happy. He killed himself and left behind a wife and kids. I also was very close friends for a time with a woman whose father did the same (leaving behind a wife, a daughter, a son, and several grandchildren). He was superintendent of the local school system, made a good living, was loved and respected by everyone who knew him, and deeply loved by his family. My friend, his daughter, who had been just a radiant sort whom people were always drawn to, and who I really loved and admired, was never the same after that. The point here is you just don't know sometimes when people are suffering, and in both instances two men I would never have dreamed would do so committed suicide. Even though "they had everything to live for."

Here's an interesting resource. This too. Mayo Clinic has an interesting entry too.

Sorry for this maudlin turn. Tomorrow Ill be back to the usual fun and games.