Comments on: Whether intentional or accidental, does it make him any less dead?

By: Snooker

Snooker — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:24:39 +0000

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with and about depression. I’ve never really had a bad bout of it, but I’ve certainly been around it all of my life. It is interesting to get your perspective.

As for Mr. Ledger, I have no idea what caused his death, all I can say is what a shame that the world will not have him around anymore. I think that he was an extremely talented young man and that we hadn’t seen the best of him.

Thanks for sharing.

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By: katie

katie — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:01:40 +0000

Thank you SO MUCH for posting about this. I feel like I just read/heard somewhere that depression is the third most common disease worldwide and yet, is consistently misdiagnosed and/or ignored. All this and the cover of People this week announces Ms. Spears is bi-polar, as though they’re any semblance of authority on the subject. I couldn’t bring myself to buy it, but there I stood, skimming the article and shaking my head wondering what things have come to when a tabloid now feels obliged to dole out the diagnoses. As if there aren’t enough misconceptions about mental illness, we’re now supposedly privvy to the mental health of those in the spotlight — regarless of their own personal feelings on the subject? It thought we’d come so far since the 19th century, but it sadly seems a lot more like a modern day witch hunt than lending a helping hand to someone in need.

katie’s last blog post..It’s As If I Really Know How John Denver Felt About Sunshine On His Shoulders Making Him Happy

By: rositta

rositta — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:46:29 +0000

Very good post. When he died, I thought the same thing as you. It is easy to loose track of pills. When I get a migraine I take percocet and have gotten into the habit of scribbling down the time I took the pill so that when I reach for the next one I can check when I took the last one. I also don’t keep them by the bed, I make sure I have to get up and check the time. It’s my little bit of insurance that I don’t accidentally overdose which would be so easy when your in pain. I was also taking Paxil years ago which is what they used to give you to treat Fybromyalgia. I tossed them as well because they have the same effect as the stuff you were taking….ciao

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By: pat

pat — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:32:40 +0000

Nice post, B.
I prolly wouldn’t have even noticed the guy if I hadn’t seen Brokeback Mountain. As it was, i read the news of his death and just thought,’Fuck! What a waste.’
It’s good, although disturbing, to read about how depression felt for you, and how Xanax felt too. I work with people who are immigrating to the US, and always warn them they’re entering a zone where doctors (and much of the general public) think being sad can be treated with a pill. I know it works for some but just talking to someone, even a stranger or non-professional, is really underrated.
Thing I can’t understand is how could someone like Ledger or Owen Wilson get so lost that they cannot recognize the really great art they have made, and how much pleasure they have given us with their work? But maybe those voices you speak of are part of the answer. Thanks for the insight.

pat’s last blog post..Have it Your Way

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:14:46 +0000

I too echo the sentiments of everyone here. Having spent the last four months reeling from heartbreak recently, I have had some pretty down, dark times, albeit, not low enough to resort to anti depressants, thank God, not knocking them or praising them, just haven’t had to resort to using them to get past what I’m still trying to get past. I’m not nearly as bad as I was even a month ago, but that’s thanks to the fact that I have my trip to Aus to look forward to in less than 7 days.

As for Heath, I too have been sickened at the scenes of press & photographers circling the funeral home, & Michelle William’s home, they’re despicable for not letting them grieve in peace. It’s all so very sad & tragic, because he was such a gifted & wonderful actor.

By: more cowbell

more cowbell — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:48:36 +0000

Heath was one of the few members of America’s strange Hollywood Royalty phenomenon whom I really liked and respected. Whatever the reason and circumstance, it was just tragic. So young. And his little daughter … god.

It just sickened me how those salivating media vultures were so quick to churn out their breathless reports, anything for the drama of the day. It was just so disrespectful. He deserved to be treated and remembered better than that. I don’t usually care much about the lives of the stars, but I was very saddened over this.

Your words about depression were something more folks should hear.

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By: remus

remus — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:52:42 +0000

I know that mental soundtrack loop.

Nicely said B.

By: kat

kat — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:33:56 +0000

It helps me to read posts like this, I don’t suffer from depression but my husband does, and it’s been a roller coaster finding the right medicine. We’re actually still trying. It helps to read what you’re going through because it is hard for someone who hasn’t experienced it to know what it’s like.

kat’s last blog post..it’s official

By: esther

esther — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:16:32 +0000

that was beautifully said.
seriously.

By: Claire

Claire — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:57:21 +0000

It is important also to remember that depression is a real problem. So many people dismiss it or don’t even attempt to understand it. My step-dad did not and my mom’s depression almost destroyed their marriage. Thankfully they found a good therapist, something that sometimes is underrated.

Claire’s last blog post..Smart USA