Enron suicide note disclosed

[R]

strictly speaking, Michael, anything is possible.  some people tune out the
clues of a person preparing to commit suicide.   but if that person
reflects, under the encouragement of a therapist or other knowledgeable
party after the tragedy, the clues become highly apparent -- such as giving
away one's possessions, a sense of tranquility now that the decision has
been made, etc.   i notice that doug mentioned the latter as an outward
symptom of relief and resolve, which is clinically quite correct in many
instances -- backed up by steve perry's email message also.

the people closely associated with J. Clifford Baxter apparently had their
antenna out and didn't pick up a single indication that his "suicide" was in
the offing.   in fact, just the opposite.   from a political and clinical
standpoint, there is little or no doubt in my mind that this was not a
suicide.  people enjoying retirement and making positive plans for their
future don't just wake up one morning and say to themselves, "hey, i think
i'll commit suicide today."   if that were the case, there'd be a lot more
enron execs dead due to loosing "great pride" derived from beating the
system in style.

it's extremely difficult to be a "closet" clinical depressive.   the
symptoms of clinical depression are so devastating that it's impossible to
keep them from those closest to you at all times.   and from most people.
ever seen a pal who looked a little depressed?   multiply that by a thousand
and you've got clinical depression.   it's easier to hide an elephant at a
tea party.

R

  ----- Original Message -----

  From: Michael Pollak

  To: lbo-talk at lists.panix.com

  Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 1:35 AM

  Subject: Re: Enron suicide note disclosed

  On Thu Apr 11, Carrol Cox wrote:

  > An overwhelming number of suicides, whatever their immediate occasion,

  > have clinical depression as their general context.

  No argument there.  I have an honest question though.  I was under the

  impression that while the pain may be indescrible, the fact that a

  clinically depressed person is depressed is inescapable to both themselves

  and anyone who sees them on a daily basis.  So that if you asked people

  afterwards, Was he depressed at lot in the weeks before? they'd all say

  yes.  Is this wrong?  Can you be a sort of closet clinical depressive, so

  that people who talk to you every day would never suspect?

  Michael

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