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R.I.P. John Berg

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I just learned about the suicide of John Berg, who you've seen in countless TV shows like Law & Order, House, Monk, and many others. He was 58, and was found in his home in Van Nuys, California.

Actor John Berg committed suicide, coroner says

[Photo via IMDB.com]

Comments

One of your key words must be suicide. Tragic though they may be and close to home as who amongst us grappling with depression hasn't considered it, I think you are over reporting them. We have all lost friends and are aware when a public figure does themselves in, but the suicide rate even for those depressed is very small. So I think you should reconsider the gratuitous over reporting. There are other issues to deal with such as very often suicide is selfish and cowardly. You are gone but those who loved or cared about you are still around and wonder what there role they played or you may leave children and a partner behind.
Liz I know it is an issue close to your heart as you have been on the verge. Most of us have been but most of us, like you don't do it.

I don't know. I can't imagine suicide being a "keyword" for you. I'm also a depressive, and survived three suicide attempts. To me, it is an ever-present danger. Maybe you report on it so often to stay on the other side of it. I certainly have trouble with the idea that anybody who has seriously considered taking their own life, or who has suffered with mental health issues, as talking or writing about suicide in a manner that is in any way gratuitous. We're all wired differently. I can extend a little mercy to you if you report on it a lot. Seems like to me it's just a matter close to your heart. Simply that.

It's uncomfortable to be the kind of person that reminds us of our pain (both herald of pain and reader are uncomfortable), but we're needed. I speak from experience.

May God have mercy on us, especially those of us in such deep suffering.

RIP, indeed, Mr. Berg.

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About

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Liz Spikol is senior contributing editor of Philadelphia Weekly. She writes the award-winning column The Trouble With Spikol, which began as a chronicle of her struggle with mental illness, and has since expanded into humorous musings on everything from graphic novels to how to use a mop. She also writes the paper's book review column, Lit Gloss. This blog -- named one of the Top 10 Bipolar Blogs of 2007 by PsychCentral -- is about mental illness policy, news, personal journeys and more.