Re: The Larry King Show

Dear Heidi and Gloria,
I have been very upset about The Larry King Show on August 28, 2007.

On this show Larry King was discussing Owen Wilson after his suicide attempt. I found the show did nothing to address the issue of the signs of depression Also the two comments by Larry King were inaccurate and hurtful. King questions Dr. Reef Karim, Director of Psychiatric Services. Wonderland Residential Treatment Facility.

King: Is it gutsy?

 Karim: You know, I think some people believe it’s gutsy when they’re doing it. But obviously it’s not. It’s you want to check out. You want to check out of life because you’re overwhelmed mentally by all the pain that you have.
Suicide is the outcome of neurological breakdown. The process begins in severe stress and pain generated by a serious life crisis. These increase as the crisis, or the individual’s perception of it, worsens. Feelings of control and self-esteem deteriorate.

Suicidality occurs when the stress induces pain so unbearable that death is seen as the only relief.

Suicidality entails changes in brain chemistry and physiology. Suicidal individuals manifest various chemical imbalances.

As one becomes suicidal he or she is no longer capable of choice. Suicidality is a state of total pain which coupled with neurological impairment, limits the perceived options to either enduring or ending utter agony.

Taken from Tony Salvatore Solos, Survivors of Loved Ones’ Suicides

King: Someone once said suicide is a selfish act.

King: Do all suicide attempts automatically equal depression?
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Karmin: No

Karmin: No, 95 percent of suicides that are completed, those people have some kind of psychiatric illness. That’s the first thing. But if you look at schizophrenics-you look at schizophrenic patients out there, 50 percent of them will attempt suicide in their lives, one out of two.

King: And that’s not depression?

Karmim: No. Bipolar patients, depressed patients. Patients that have some major loss, that are grieving.

Mental Health diagnoses are generally associated with a higher rate of suicide. Psychological autopsy studies reflect that more than 90% of completed suicides had one or more mental disorder.

I did write to the Larry King Show, no response. Just wanted to let out my feeings of frustrations. Here was an actor that everyone loves and Larry King does a disservice to Owen Wilson and the public.

Carol Loehr
The Gift of Keith
My Uncle Keith Died

Dr. Heidi Responds:

Dear Carol:
I agree with your comments, and that’s why we need people like you out there to continue to educate and re-educate the community. Even in 2007 there continues to be sooo much mis-information out there, and a lack of empathy for those who die by suicide. For Larry King to ask if it was a “gutsy act” is a ridiculous question, and one that I actually don’t even understand. As you’ve pointed out people who die by suicide are under a lot of stress, and in an incomprehensible amount of pain. Further in response to Larry’s question about suicide being a “selfish act,” I would say that it is the opposite, it is viewed as a “selfless act,” as those that die by suicide feel that they are a burden to the world and that their families and friends would be better off without them. Obviously this is not the case, for we are much worse off without the people we love. Carol, your book and your work are saving lives everyday and educating families about depression and helping families to heal. Obviously your voice is needed more then ever. Keep using it!!
Dr. Heidi