While sitting in the endodontist's office today waiting for my root canal (ugh) I picked up a copy of "People" magazine, as one does at any doctor's office, and noticed an article that intrigued me. It was about the son of Pastor Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church and author of "The Purpose Driven Life." In April of this year, after battling with depression his entire life, Matthew, Rick Warren's son, committed suicide. He was twenty-seven years old.
This story brought tears to my eyes. It hit close to home and I'm sure many of you out there have felt that overwhelming emotional fear for your children or family members. In a Huffington Post article about Matthew's death, Warren wrote that he and his wife "marveled at his courage" to fight "relentless pain." Warren said, "I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, 'Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?' but he kept going for another decade."
These are words I have heard my son say, "Why can't I just end my pain?" My son has only been fighting with his depression for about nine years and I hope he will continue to go on fighting everyday. I know it is difficult for him and I can't comprehend what it must feel like. I can only read his words and get a small glimpse into his world. "Carrying the weight of depression on my back; a heavy obstacle to overcome. Looking for a place to set it down and clamber over, but I can't find the right spot. I don't know what to do. How will I move past this? It's all so hard." Matthew's journals
To Rick Warren and his family, who's son shared my son's fictitious name, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope never to endure what you have had to endure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Depression is a serious illness. Don't take it lightly. Talk about it with your loved ones and professionals. Read my blogs from 10/9, 10/10, and 10/11 on depression and how to help. It can be serious, but there are treatments and they do help some people, so don't give up, never give up.
This story brought tears to my eyes. It hit close to home and I'm sure many of you out there have felt that overwhelming emotional fear for your children or family members. In a Huffington Post article about Matthew's death, Warren wrote that he and his wife "marveled at his courage" to fight "relentless pain." Warren said, "I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, 'Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?' but he kept going for another decade."
These are words I have heard my son say, "Why can't I just end my pain?" My son has only been fighting with his depression for about nine years and I hope he will continue to go on fighting everyday. I know it is difficult for him and I can't comprehend what it must feel like. I can only read his words and get a small glimpse into his world. "Carrying the weight of depression on my back; a heavy obstacle to overcome. Looking for a place to set it down and clamber over, but I can't find the right spot. I don't know what to do. How will I move past this? It's all so hard." Matthew's journals
To Rick Warren and his family, who's son shared my son's fictitious name, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope never to endure what you have had to endure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Depression is a serious illness. Don't take it lightly. Talk about it with your loved ones and professionals. Read my blogs from 10/9, 10/10, and 10/11 on depression and how to help. It can be serious, but there are treatments and they do help some people, so don't give up, never give up.
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