1/17/2006: Wall Street Journal Article on Arthur Zankel
While I have the time, I'll squueze in an entry. Always a sad sight to see a lonely intro post on a deserted blog; at least now "they" can't say I only did one. Did anyone else catch that tragic story about Arthur Zankel's suicide? The article was on page A1: you can read it if you are on Case's system at http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=970361441&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=43422&RQT=309&VName=PQD
It is the story of Arthur Zankel, a wealthy, talented man who fought a long battle against depression, and eventually lost when he was 73. It is well-written and sad.
One is left wondering, if any of us had the problem with depression that Arthur did, how could we hope to escape? We certainly do not have access to Fortune 500 CEO's or the best medical professionals in the land. However, lost in the initial reaction of sadness is also Arthur's triumph; he very nearly succumbed when he was a Harvard MBA, when he had four young children, and when his wife died. But he fought on. Arthur apparently raised his children successfully to have their own chance at life, even after his wife died with the youngest son still only 15. Finally, with his youngest child apparently about to marry and after a few years of happiness with his second wife, he couldn't do it anymore. The only person left to fight for was himself, and that was no longer enough. Nevertheless, his story can still help and inspire many people, if they see the triumph and not the final end.
Comments
There is much wisdom in your conclusion. I have a friend who struggles on and off with depression, and when he comes out of the dark times he is always glad he stuck it out. I've also lost someone to depression, but like Mr. Zankel, he fought the good fight for decades before he finally gave up.
Because he fought so hard, and was able to experience the good times as well as the bleak ones, I felt that he'd tried as hard as he could and that in this case euthanasia was a reasonable recourse. The pain of depression is just as debilitating as cancer or other serious physical illnesses. I know that while I miss him, he is no longer suffering.
But the point you focus on, the triumph of overcoming the depressions so many times over the course of his life is the critical one. Those experiencing this must try all remedies available, work to conquer the dark, and make use of the positive times in between episodes before ever considering the final solution.
This story shows that one can get past these times and find enjoyment and success. And even if the depression returns, it can never negate that which was achieved before.
Thanks for sharing this.