There was a time when I didn’t feel this way. A time when I wasn’t suffering from depression; a time when I didn’t want to die. It’s faint in the recesses of my mind as if the emotions are hazy and distorted. I can’t make out quite how I felt before but I know it wasn’t this utterly soul-crushing despair. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to tell my story. I wasn’t sure if I should let people in. After all, this is my struggle. My battle. My problem. Or, at least that was the form of thinking that had dominated my life and my mind for the better part of the past seven years. But I now realize that, at the very least, I need to confront my depression. I need to face the looming black cloud of doubt and self-loathing that has darkened my skies for almost half of my life. Opening up is something that I never thought I’d do but, because of a few people that have truly saved my life, I believe it’s important to share my experiences. To declare without guilt, embarrassment, shame, or hatred that I am Jake Lawler and I am depressed. I have been for quite some time.
It never starts with someone wanting to take their own life. At least, it didn’t with me. The thought of suicide never even crossed my mind in middle school. I mean, the sheer finality of an act like that was inconceivable for 13-year-old me. It starts small. Someone says or does something that doesn’t make you feel good and you internalize it. It stays with you, almost as if it’s seared into your brain and behind your eyelids and if you don’t address it, it will burn hot and bright. My branding occurred in sixth grade. I was a strange looking kid. My facial features had not yet settled in an appealing fashion and my style was unequivocally atrocious (to be fair, we seldom see fashion icons in middle school so I’m willing to give myself a pass on that). Additionally, my lips were quite large and I hadn’t grown into them yet. This was the target a girl in my science class had picked to exploit. My name became Fish Lips and I mean that literally. Some people in my school didn’t even know my real name after that moniker found its footing. That’s just who I was to them. To everyone. It’s one thing to be teased and picked on but to have your name, your identity, taken from you is demoralizing and dehumanizing.
My only solace during this period of my life was that I was only Fish Lips to the white kids. The Black kids at my school rarely called me that and some even came to my defense. Until I joined the football team in seventh grade. There’s a certain sort of solidarity that comes with being a minority. A unifying bond forged in the fires of oppression, discrimination, and unfathomable hatred. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a punishment to be black. It’s a privilege. However, some in our community feel that this privilege shouldn’t be extended to mixed kids.
When I found out that I made the team, it should’ve been an extraordinarily jubilant occasion. The socially awkward and athletically inexperienced outcast was handpicked by a team of coaches to be on an actual organized sports team. I mean, it was truly something out of a Hollywood movie. All of my new teammates were congratulating me and voicing their approval as we walked out of the locker room. For the first time in my life, I truly felt as if I belonged to something outside of my family. Until my father came and picked me up. Initially, the guys thought that my dad was just another white man but as I started walking towards him, the realization set in.
The moment I opened the door to my dad’s car was the moment my Black card was revoked. My new brothers shunned me. They called me “cracker” or “white boy” and they called my father “slave master.” I had acclimated to Fish Lips. It was hurtful and demeaning to be known as that but, at most, it was a physical imperfection that could be remedied should I choose to do so. Losing my Blackness was and is something I will never be able to compartmentalize. I was broken by their words. Being insulted and disparaged by white kids hurt but to be ousted from the Black community was devastating. If I was too weird for the white kids and too white for the Black kids, what was I?
By the end of my middle school experience, I was lost in the world. I didn’t know who I was or what I belonged to. I had never felt more alone in my life. The summer going into my freshman year of high school is the first time I remember wanting to die. Initially, these thoughts were never something that I’d consider acting on. These fleeting, twisted notions were dismissed as quickly as they arrived but as the days passed, they began to stick. I couldn’t understand why this was happening to me. My family life was amazing and I was a good student with a new opportunity to start fresh. None of that mattered. I didn’t know why and it scared the hell out of me but every single day I thought about killing myself. I thought about extinguishing my life, my essence, my being, because I honestly believed that was my only out.
I analogize my experience to two versions of me walking on a track. The better version that wants to live is out in front while his suicidal counterpart lags behind. Every day I wake up, they begin to walk. On the good days, the better version of myself will be far out in front. On the bad days, the space between is much, much closer. The worst part about dealing with my depression is the sheer randomness of its appearance. There’s no varying degree of predictability. It comes in waves and there’s little to no reason for its arrival. I feel helpless and alone when these feelings invade my mind, evicting any semblance of happiness or self-efficacy.
The brunt of my depression’s unrelenting assault came during my sophomore year of high school. I wasn’t being bullied or ridiculed anymore for my lips or my lineage and I actually had friends. But the seeds had been sown. From the soil of derision sprouted a firm, menacing oak whose branches manufactured suffocating darkness around my mind. It had been months since I felt anything other than anguish. I had endured enough. I didn’t want to live anymore. My plan was to wait until after my brother’s birthday, as if it would be a courtesy to stick it out. As I said before, the dominant form of thinking during this period of my life was that this burden was mine and mine alone to bear and as much as I loved my family, I couldn’t bear it any longer. The day after his birthday I sat on a bucket in the shed behind our house with a belt laced between my fingers. My hands were shaking uncontrollably and I dropped the belt more than a few times. I tried in every way to force myself to go through with it, but staring at the abyss of death made me realize something. I wasn’t ready to go. Maybe I wanted to end it all, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
I kept thinking about my brother and my parents who love me more than words can express. Taking my life would be an action that would reverberate through the very fabric of their lives, and would ring for the rest of their lives. It would be at the end of every sentence they breathe, the echo of every footstep they take. If this was to be my struggle then I would allow no one else to suffer because of it. My family saved my life on November 23rd, 2015 and they didn’t even know it.
From that moment on, I was determined to fight back. I still wouldn’t allow anyone to know what I was going through but I’d be damned if I’d ever sink that low again. I threw myself into football and school, working tirelessly at both so my mind would never wander back down that path again. It worked for quite a while. During the last two years of high school, I can’t remember feeling depressed for longer than a few days here and there. I earned a great many scholarships to play college football and I found my home at the University of North Carolina. Life was really good, I mean really good. There were even some days where I felt happy. What I didn’t realize during this time of my life was that my depression had not died; it had been sedated.
October 2017 was when the thoughts came hurtling back with the velocity of a meteoroid. I was almost finished with my freshman year of college and I wanted to die again. As the year drew to a close, I needed to find another outlet to help subdue these compulsions. I found it in writing. I started small. A few sentences here and there. I just wrote about anything that came to mind. It helped, for a time, but I knew that if I wanted more substantial results I would have to think bigger. In early July of 2018, I began a short story inspired by a song from my favorite artist, The Weeknd. It felt so damn good to write it. I felt better about myself in every way. I was crafting a narrative. Creating a world in which I had control over what happened was immeasurably cathartic for me. It was so helpful that I didn’t want to finish it. I told the few close to me that knew I was working on the piece that I had writer’s block and I needed time away in order to finish. In reality, I was terrified that if I finished, I would be back in that pit, alone and desperate. But I wouldn’t let that fear control me.
In January of 2019, I finished my story. It was exhilarating. I didn’t know if other people would enjoy my work but I was immensely proud of myself and when the overwhelmingly positive response did come in, I was overjoyed. For a moment, I thought my depression had gone again. I thought wrong. Two weeks after releasing my story, I stood on the top floor of a parking deck on campus. I was going to jump. There was no family or friends or football or writing in my mind that night. The only thing I was considering was when to take that step. To this day, I don’t know what prevented me from jumping. I don’t think I ever will. The only thing I was certain of was that this had to stop. I still wasn’t sure if I should tell anyone. I still believed it was my problem. My roommate Michael convinced me otherwise. After we spoke, I decided to make an active change. I let more people in. I told my family. I told other friends. And now, almost eight years later, I’m telling you all and it feels better than anything else I’ve ever done. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don’t know what lies ahead for me, but I know now I won’t have to go it alone.
For anyone that is concerned about their friend or family member, don’t wait to reach out. You don’t have to be inspiring or unusually motivating. You just have to be present. If they choose to reach out, listen to them. Look them in their eyes. Be with them in that space and understand that when they reach out, it is a sacred invitation. Don’t tarnish that. And please don’t say “at least” or “look on the bright side.” When you’re depressed, your world operates in shades of gray and you believe that you’re the reason for it. There is no bright side or light at the end of the tunnel initially. Understand that is a slow process and the only thing you can do for them is to be what they need when they need it.
For my brothers and sisters that are depressed, if you’re reading this, tell someone. I spent years in an echo chamber of self-hatred and it almost cost me my life twice. You are stronger than you know. Someone in your world loves you even if you don’t love yourself and if you think that people don’t care about what you’re going through, you’re wrong. I had the same thoughts as you did and if people didn’t care about me, I’d be dead. If you think no one understands, I’m living proof that someone does. I encourage you to reach out to me if you think you can’t talk to anyone else. My line is always open for those that need it. Your life is worth living. Start living it. Thank you to those who read this and those who helped me along the way. I don’t know what happens next, but I know that things will be different. So begins the first day of my new life.
Best,
Jake Lawler
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Jake Lawler 
You can be my brother!
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Thank you!
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Jake, your story rings very familiar to me. I am the dad in your story, and my late son was–you. He was unable to stop himself during his depression, his sophomore year in high school, and three and a half years ago, he took his own life. Everything you wrote–about what would have happened to your family and friends–happened to us.
Your perspective is a different one. Would you mind if I shared your blog with a parents-of-lost-kids group that I belong to?
Thank you for sharing, Jake. I look forward to your thoughts in the future. Feel free to check out my blog, if you’d like…
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Thank you for reaching out. I am sorry what happened to your son. I know he would be proud of your honesty and transparency. You can definitely share my piece. I hope it does some good in your group. Stay strong and stay up.
Best,
Jake Lawler
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Jake, I work with your awesome Mama. I also fight depression. I have been suicidal several times in my life. Thank you for sharing your story. I love you and want you to know that you are worthy of love!
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Thank you for opening up to me. I commend your bravery and courage for doing that. Just remember that you matter. You are brave and powerful and strong. Your life is worth living.
Best,
Jake Lawler
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Jake you are truly amazing beyond your years. The strength and willingness to come out and show your true self is commendable, especially at such a young age. I have followed your high school and college journey through your mom’s posts (I always was amazed on how much food you all ate!) and have enjoyed keeping up with your football career.
Best of luck on your journey! I am sure there is someone reading this that your story has helped. Hugs! Sandi Greene (Nick’s mom from Carmel football)
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Thank you for reaching out to me. It means a great deal. I appreciate you!
Best,
Jake Lawler
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Jake, you don’t know me but I’m an old friend of your dad’s from high school. This is such a powerful piece of writing – – thank you for it. I’m so heartbroken for what you went through but am glad that you are rich coming out the other side of it. I’ve been following your successes via your father’s Facebook page and wouldn’t have guessed in a million years that you were struggling with this monster. I’m so glad you shared your story with the world. I know your words will help someone. Many someones. Wishing you strength and peace.
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Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. It means a great deal that you reached out.
Best,
Jake Lawler
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Wooow that was so well written that I experienced every emotion that you expressed. I had the pleasure of working with your mother and your father. My daughter was a student of your father’s and she absolutely adored him and he looked after her and helped her in anyway possible. Two beautifully made people and you’re the superlative product. Thank God you’re still here to share your story. God is using you, let Him❤️
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Thank you, ma’am! I appreciate the kind words. I will pass along your regards to my parents and I hope you have a wonderful evening.
Best,
Jake Lawler
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Powerful words Jake.
You have a lot of fans who are pulling for you.
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Thank you, sir!
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Dear Jake,
I just read your story as published in “Tar Heel Times”. Your are obviously a very intelligent guy that expresses himself extremely well. I am so sorry that you had to endure the hateful treatment you experienced at such a vulnerable age. It makes me very angry when people are mistreated in this manner. I was extremely moved by your story and the courage it took to tell it. I truly believe that the act of sharing your story in the manner that you have done so will inspire others to seek help and as such will save and enhance the lives of others. That is very powerful. Thank you Jake. You have done a very good thing. You are a good and strong man.
You story especially hit home for me. I witnessed my father’s failed attempt at suicide when I was 11 years old. My father was lost to suicide when I was 19 years old some 49 years ago. It is a shocking and stunning event that will affect our family as long as we live. It is so difficult to admit weakness in any form but the admission of the feelings that are depression must be admitted to be helped. Much of the world does not understand depression or how it can be treated. The stigma of depression perpetuated by the callus and the ignorant is another obstacle to be overcome by those in need of help. You and your story are a blessing and a weapon to grant the strength and hope for those struggling to seek help. Again, thank you Jake.
I hope you continue to flourish and your life is rich and fulfilling along your chosen path.
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Thank you for reaching out. I am touched by your story and I am so happy I could help/give you some piece of mind with my work. I’m sorry for what happened to your father. I know he would be proud of his son for being brave and opening up as you have. Your words are kind and they mean a great deal to me.
Best,
Jake Lawler
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Bless you, Jake. You are a brave and strong man. Your eloquent and moving words will make a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for shining a light on a health condition that too many are afraid of taking out of the darkness. With gratitude, Josh
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Thank you, sir!
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Jake, thank you so very much for baring your soul. There is no way you can ever know how many hearts you have touched. How many you have saved. I’ve seen depression first hand. My late father suffered and now a younger brother continues to struggle. I’ve been friends of your grandparents since they moved here from NY over 40 years ago. I was at your parents’ wedding and have always kept up with you through Bernie and Allegray. You’ll never know how special you are to many, many people. Prayers will continue as you begin your journey through the sun filled future. By the way – you are a tremendously talented writer. Never stop. Write something every day. Love you! 💜
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Thank you so much! I appreciate you a great deal!
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Jake, thanks so much for sharing. I’m a fellow Tar Heel (way back from Class of ’93), and I’m very impressed that you’ve found so much self-awareness at a young age and the willingness to share that insight with others. I think you also realize that you need to stay vigilant and seek help from others when needed throughout your life. This can and should include family and friends, but also professionals who are trained to help us understand things deeply buried in our mind of which we’re not consciously aware. I’ll be rooting hard for you – not just in Kenan Stadium, but in life. Proud to have you as a fellow Tar Heel. Best of luck.
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Thank you, sir!
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Great stuff Jake. I heard about this on your Inside the Film Room podcast and wanted to read this. It’s extremely timely. I lost my dad 7 months ago and my mom 4 years ago. I’m not yet 40, and life is all on me now. My support system is completely uprooted and reduced by two fewer people – the two most important.
What’s difficult in losing my dad was the way it ended – abruptly. He was in the hospital and we knew it was nearing the end, but no clue it was in fact THE end. I was supposed to meet my brother at the hospital at 10am on a Saturday morning. I sat in my driveway dreading going. We were to meet hospital staff about potentially moving my dad home so he could spend his final weeks or months in the comfort of his home. It was already 10am, my car idling, no music on – just staring. I needed to leave but didn’t want to. An unrecognized number called me on my cellphone. It was the hospital. It turns out he had taken a turn in the night and had minutes to live. I texted my brother, he was running late too and was not near arrival. The hospital was just 3 miles from my house. I sped down the road, weaving in and out of traffic. The walk from the parking deck was nearly a sprint – adrenaline rushing throughout my body. When I arrived to his room he’d been gone for 4 minutes. He had died alone – just random hospital staff around him. I stood in that room helpless. I didn’t want to be in that room. I wanted to scream. I was angry at myself. Not just for not being there, but because I was standing in this room where my dad had just died alone and the only thing I could think about was how alone I felt. My wife was in the middle of photo shoot with a young family of four, so I couldn’t call her. My brother still had not arrived. I had no outlet. I paced the room and cried. I needed to get out of that room. I paced the hall and cried. Why didn’t I just drive I thought. If I had arrived when I planned I could’ve been there for my dad – the man that had been there for me, that paid for my college and Carolina Basketball camp every summer; the guy who worked nights, weekends, and holidays to make ends meet. I had failed him.
Since then, depression has taken several forms. Anger. Sadness. Isolation. Regret. Lots of regrets. And occasionally thoughts of suicide enter my mind. I’ve never been moved to act on them but the idea has popped into my brain. What I think people who have never experienced this darkness don’t understand is how frustrating society’s stigma of suicide is. It’s commonly acceptable for people to talk about how selfish suicide is. And that’s not incorrect. But shaming someone as a strategy to convince them not to harm themselves feels like a betrayal of the compassion needed for the circumstance. But, as you point out Jake, if you find yourself in that dark place you do have to think about your family and friends and the lifelong impact your actions can have on them.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Jake. Thank you for letting me post my thoughts here. It’s cathartic to release the internal pressure. All the best to you brother.
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Thank you so much for reaching out to me. You have not failed your father. You are a man of tremendous courage and bravery opening up as you just did. He would be proud. I appreciate you. Your story has moved me and I am glad I can provide some solace in your life. You matter.
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I know you don’t know me, but I came across your story and I had to give it a read. Thank you for sharing, it just proves how strong you really are to always pull yourself out of the dark, and I hope you will always realize that.
I’ve dealt with depression and suicide thoughts for about 11 years now and I I’ve felt that hurt and pain. I’m happy you decided to share your story because it shows you that you are never alone. People with the same story are here to connect with you and provide you with nothing but positive advice.
“1 Peters 5:7” always lifts me up when my mind gets cloudy with dark thoughts.
I hope God continues to bless you with peace and a sound mind!
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Thank you so much for sharing your story, Jake! Writing has always been my outlet when I get to those low points too. I actually cochair the triangle-area Out of the Darkness walk which benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Would you consider being one of our guest speakers for this years walk on October 6th? We had almost 600 people join us for our walk last year, and we expect even more this year. I think your story is powerful and could make quite the impact. Thanks again for sharing!
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Amazing narrative with very powerful words. I am refreshed to hear another POC talk about their experiences with mental illness, and I am overjoyed that a male found the confidence and bravery to do so when males having emotions are seen as outlandish. Your story was amazing and the way it was written was so beautiful. It has encouraged me to get help on this particularly bad night, and has showed me that I do not have to “bear this burden alone”. Thank you for this, and I look forward to read more of your works.
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Thank you. I appreciate you!
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Jake,
I found your blog post through Inside Carolina. You are a fantastic writer. It’s almost the anniversary of your parents unknowingly saving your life. May you continue to be strong and find support whenever you need it. We are lucky to have you as part of our football program!
Evan
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Dearest Jake,
You are one of my heroes. You are a force of nature by your very words, not to mention the positive force you are creating by being…you. I too was in the very depths of depression-the dark pit- for about 3 years. Unable to eat, rest, work, quiet my mind. With tremendous support and love from others, I have been out of that pit for a few years. You, too, will be singing again and full of immense joy. Believing in you, always, I am very truly yours,
Nancy Prairie
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