The Highlander

Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Graham Hunt Hipple shares his struggle with depression and how best to overcome the debilitating disease.

Last Monday night, Eric Hipple, former professional football player, spoke of his experience with depression. Hipple was the Detroit Lions quarterback from 1980 to 1990.

"Suicide affects everyone. We have a shared responsibility to prevent it," said Jennelle Wilson, president of Active Minds.

Active Minds was founded in 2001 as a way to educate the community about mental health issues.

"It's okay to ask for help. Remember, you are not alone--there are many resources that exist to help," Wilson added.

Introducing Hipple, Wilson stressed that all issues surrounding mental health need to be addressed and clarified, citing suicide as the second leading cause of death in college students.

Hipple began his presentation by showing flashbacks of his playing days. To ease into the heavy topic of depression, Hipple maintained an easy going attitude, engaging students to help lighten the mood.

A number of life experiences contributed to Hipple's struggle with depression. Following his football career, for instance, Hipple started his own business. But after a while, momentum stalled, causing Hipple to lose focus.

One day, when he and his wife were on the way to the airport, Hipple, while driving at 80 miles per hour, jumped out of the car, sustaining serious injuries. Recovering from his attempted suicide attempt, Hipple soon realized that ending his life was not the answer. Nonetheless, the effects of depression continued to stay with him and his family.

In 2001, Hipple's son, at only 15 years old, took his own life. It was then that Hipple decided to help educate others about depression and other health problems. He has helped many ex-NFL players also suffering similar problems.

Concluding his presentation, Hipple finished his slideshow with a series of some of his greatest plays. Hipple stressed,"There is always an answer. Once you get past it, you are able to come out on top."

"Our main message here is to give people hope. I want to educate people about depression, and to help other appreciate life," he stated. "I really don't want anyone else to go through what I had to go through. I don't want others to learn about it the hard way."

Paula Wilson, Wilson's mother, added: "Hipple helped open my eyes. He helped me understand exactly what depression is."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools