A Family Tragedy: Recognizing the Signs and How to Get Help for Mental Illness

Depression, to whatever degree, can often be confused or overlooked, especially in young people.

Jeff Kerber, clinic administrator for Iowa Health Counseling Centers, says depression is categorized as having five or more symptoms that include sadness, guilt, irritability, loss of energy, loss of interest, changes in sleep, appetite changes and suicidal thoughts.

In an interview earlier this year, Kerber said one thing to keep in mind when trying to assess a person's level of depression is whether they appear different from their usual self.

"The first thing to sort out is how someone's mood differs from their norm," he said. "Maybe they're always in a transient mood, pretty down or frustrated. The critical thing is to what degree is that different from the person’s baseline demeanor. Unfortunately, people get wrapped up in the symptoms and forget about the comparison."

Kerber said depression is both a mental disorder and a chemical one and can be treated through therapy as well as medication. Seeing a physician can be the first step in getting you, or someone you care about, back on the road to better mental health.

Suicidal thoughts, he said, are among the most serious symptoms of depression. He says Sly's decision to take her own life fits a certain suicidal ideation common among those people who suffer from severe, long-term depression.

Kerber said sometimes even the smallest uptick in a person's otherwise cloudy demeanor can be a red flag that something more serious may be taking place beneath the surface.

"It’s really slippery territory," he said. "But that sudden change in mood, that is a red flag. It's the grandfather of all red flags. The fact is, if anyone even gives you a hint, you act as if it’s serious. Period."

Where to Get Help

In central Iowa, Kerber says, hospitals like Mercy Franklin Center, Broadlawns Medical Center, and Iowa Lutheran Hospital all have 24-hour access centers where patients can be assessed should they show signs of being suicidal or talk about hurting themselves or others. 

He also said the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available when you don't know where else to turn. The national hotline at (800) 273-TALK will direct you to local resources so you can get the help you need at home.