David Brooks has been one of my favorite writers over the years. I have loved his columns in the New York Times and other media outlets as well as his books. Over the years he has allowed more of his own humanity into his writing and a recent column shows the depths of his own humanity in a new way.
He lost a lifelong friend to suicide.
It is a reflection on “what more could I have done” and a walk through hard realities of life.
The novelist William Styron wrote brilliantly about his own depression in “Darkness Visible.” He wrote that “the madness of depression is, generally speaking, the antithesis of violence. It is a storm indeed, but a storm of murk. Soon evident are the slowed-down responses, near paralysis, psychic energy throttled back close to zero.” He continued: “I experienced a curious inner convulsion that I can describe only as despair beyond despair. It came out of the cold night; I did not think such anguish possible.”
More HERE.
Depression and suicide are deepening in our world and in our culture. There is much to learn. We have to learn more about ourselves and also how to be with others who are battling theses illnesses.
The article is worth your time.
Apprentice 2 Jesus 