Brad Delp - Suicide

[hvacmd2002]

http://www.wmur.com/entertainment/11253135/detail.html

http://www.bandboston.com/

What a shame.

[otto]

I've been through some pretty hard times in my life, never that bad and I always remember that there is someone counting on me somewhere. Sad to read and such a loss for all involved.

[ga-hvac-tech]

http://www.wmur.com/entertainment/11253135/detail.html

http://www.bandboston.com/

What a shame.

Yeah, it is a shame. Boston was a GREAT group. Wonder what happened to Brad??? Being in my mid 50's, I understand the changes of life at that age. But he had the resources to get help if he wanted to...

A real shame.

I hope I do not step on any toes with this one, but I hope he had peace with God before he left this life.

[hvacmd2002]

More news about Brad today. He was a lonely guy. So sad.


http://www.wmur.com/entertainment/11253135/detail.html

[timebuilder]

I spent many hours playing his hits and his B-sides at three different stations in and around Philly in the 70's and 80's. Brad always made a great effort, and the production carried his marks of flawless attention to detail.

I spent seven years during that period living the Vegetarian lifestyle that Brad enjoyed. Unfortunately, the culture surrounding that lifestyle is one of worshiping the creation rather than the Creator, and there is a lot of naturism and cultish beliefs that eschew a Biblical relationship with God. For example, at that time, I hosted a weekly program about "New Age" beliefs, often interviewing proponents of a Vegetarian lifestyle.

A senseless death. Sad.

[Green Mountain]

The more I hear and read about suicide the more I believe that it is caused by a chemical inbalance in the brain. This can be easily treated with anit-depressants.

Our Society is under such pressure in this world that it is easy for someone to fall into to a state of depression which can lead to suicide.

[timebuilder]

The best cure for depression is an attitude of gratitude.

Brad had a lot to be thankful for, but his social group very likely did not believe in much besides "nature."

[Green Mountain]

The best cure for depression is an attitude of gratitude.

"

I have to take exception to that. Everyone feels little down in the dumps now and then. With a little rest and some reflection most people can rebound.

But some people have a medical problem and the natural endorphins are blocked or aren't being produced. Then medical help is needed to over come depression.

Not everything that goes on in the brain can be cured from within.

[timebuilder]

Most of what gores on in the brain comes from what you believe about yourself and the world; your purpose, your place, your very nature.

Pharmaceuticals that alter the chemistry of the brain are mimicking what most people already do when they choose to be grateful, comforted, and uplifted. When you open your heart, you make way for blessings to come in.

If you cannot imagine yourself feeling better, than it is a certainty that you will not. In that case, a pill may make you feel better in a superficial way, but without a deep sense of place and purpose, you will wear an empty smile.

Apparently, Brad not only could not imagine his life as having the potential for becoming better (a life richly blessed, mind you) but he allowed himself to become isolated from any help he might have accessed, both spiritual and pharmaceutical.

[hvacmd2002]

This has nothing to do with his state of mind, I just found it interesting.

All his friends said he was an unassuming guy. Did you catch the part where he hooked up a dryer hose to the exhaust of his Volkswagon Beetle? A Beetle for cryin out loud. And I saw pictures of his house, which was very modest from what I could tell. Just a down-to-earth kind of guy. He could probably buy and sell us all 20 times over, but he never came off that way.

That's what bothers me about him. He wasn't an addict, didn't have an ego, stayed out of trouble, always helped anyone and everyone, and in the end, he died a lonely man.

[James 3528]

It's like the common cold now.


Wonder what that stuff their putting in our water has to do with it if anything or the zillion other things we ingest that is put into our foods? Not to mention if you do feel down, the crap the doctor gives you.

Columbine High School

At least the poor bastard off'ed himself and no one else.

[timebuilder]

This has nothing to do with his state of mind, I just found it interesting.

All his friends said he was an unassuming guy. Did you catch the part where he hooked up a dryer hose to the exhaust of his Volkswagon Beetle? A Beetle for cryin out loud. And I saw pictures of his house, which was very modest from what I could tell. Just a down-to-earth kind of guy. He could probably buy and sell us all 20 times over, but he never came off that way.

That's what bothers me about him. He wasn't an addict, didn't have an ego, stayed out of trouble, always helped anyone and everyone, and in the end, he died a lonely man.

Two words: Over Sensitive.

Two more: Over Internalized.

[Shophound]

I have to take exception to that. Everyone feels little down in the dumps now and then. With a little rest and some reflection most people can rebound.

But some people have a medical problem and the natural endorphins are blocked or aren't being produced. Then medical help is needed to over come depression.

Not everything that goes on in the brain can be cured from within.

Benncool, I don't discount what you're saying. It could be a combination of chemical imbalance and an inaccurate assessment of one's self. In my younger days I repeatedly misread myself, underestimated my abilities, etc. Had that been combined with a medical issue it might have been a lot harder to get through those times.

I also don't discount the attitude aspect. It has a lot to do with mental stability. It is a difficult matter because in general we humans tend to be downright rotten at honest self-evaluation. That being said, if a basic attitude of "I'm going to grow, push forward, learn, etc." then it can give a guy a boost who otherwise might not ever get out of the dumps. I had to start at that point and work up from there. I've never abused drugs or drank heavily, but I know what it's like to feel down and hope be thin. Apparently Brad also lived pretty clean (quite a feat considering his line of work) but also had self doubts and feelings of fading hope. Each man's mind is an island so we'll never know exactly what he was thinking to lead him to end his life. It is sad, regardless.

I read Tom Sholz words regarding Brad. It hit home with me, as I have also lost a friend due to suicide. I think I can relate to what Tom might be feeling right now...you keep wishing you could have helped in some way to prevent it. In reality you can only do so much. My friend and I were different in many ways like Tom said about him and Brad, but we also held a lot in common. To lose a friend like that is like a punch in the gut that can still smart when you think about it years later. It wasn't easy to read about Brad or write this post, because it made me think of Sean.