News Cut: January 4, 2012 Archive

Depression in the open

Posted at 11:51 AM on January 4, 2012 by Bob Collins (19 Comments)
Filed under: Health

For many people waging war against their own brain, the struggle with depression is often a struggle with loneliness. It's what leads many people to suicide -- the notion that not only is there no hope, but that there is a "failure" involved because few other people seem to be facing similar battles. That's one of the side effects of the societal "norms" that if you've got a mental illness, you best keep it to yourself.

Occasionally, we get a rare glimpse of how many people are facing a similar struggle. Today is one of those days.

Todd Tweedy of St. Paul, left a disturbing message on his Facebook page, and then disappeared yesterday.

One illness I've never been able to defeat is my own depression. I have to say goodbye now. I wish each of you a wonderful New Year!

His friends are trying to find him, and others are trying to reach him in a different way -- by revealing their own struggles.

Like this:

I am praying for your safe return. We don't know each other, but I can relate, as I have battled depression for some time, especially after losing my husband to cancer. So many people love and care about you, and they need you. They all want to help you. I pray that the Lord wraps his arms around you and keeps you safe, and that help is on the way.

and this...

Todd, I saw this post on a friend's wall and in the off chance you might be reading this, please know that you are NOT alone, no matter how much it might feel that way. I have lived a life with Bipolar and well know the feeling of total and utter defeat. The gut-wrenching agony to the point where you just cant take one more second of it. I know the torment of not being able to get out of bed yet not being able to sleep. Let me tell you no matter how bad it seems at any given moment, it DOES and WILL get better. I swear it.

On top of Bipolar, my childhood was one that no one should ever have to experience and by God's grace (and 1 very amazing friend) I made it through the darkness. Let me tell you the light on the other side, not the tunnel of light many talk about after death, but the life of LIFE when you do break through...is simply, indescribably wonderful. You owe it to yourself and your family to fight through and find you light in this world!

I am now and will continue to pray for you and for your family with all of my heart. Even though you don't know me, I am up late, usually all night and I will leave FB open. If you want to talk, about anything at all, to someone who knows exactly what you are feeling, I am here. No questions asked, no need to reveal your location, just talk. Also if it isn't too much to ask, could you please let someone, anyone, know that you are safe?

May God bless you in a very real and tangible way RIGHT NOW to show you just how much you ARE LOVED! May you feel the love of your brothers and sisters (we are ALL God's children) at home and all around the world. Here is a big *hug* from someone way out in California who doesn't know you from Adam in reality but cares for you none the less!

It's an extraordinary outpouring that puts depression where it belongs -- in the open, and shared honestly.

Let's hope it works.

Mr. Tweedy drives a red Volkswagen Passat with Minnesota plate 545 BLM. He's 47, 6'3", 190 pounds and probably doesn't know how many people want him to come home.

Update 6:41 a.m. 1/5 - He's been found OK in western Wisconsin.

(19 Comments)