In Loving Memory of Ryan Norris:
Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention Ministry

It is heart-wrenching to hear the story of parents who have lost a child. And yet, when Larry and Sharon Norris talk about their son’s suicide, it is only part of their story. Their focus is guided by a passionate pursuit to help others in hopes that there will be fewer such preventable deaths in our world.

Since 1993, Larry and Sharon have been offering depression awareness and suicide prevention ministry in a variety of settings. That was the year their 20-year-old son, Ryan, ended his struggles with depression by ending his life.

As attuned parents, Larry and Sharon thought Ryan’s adolescent mood swings and grade problems were normal for his age. By the time he was in college, his grades had improved, and he had close relationships with his family and friends. Still, one day during the summer of 1993, Sharon noticed he seemed more “down” than ever before and suggested he talk with someone.

Ryan promised his parents that he was fine and had dealt with these feelings before. Within a couple of days, however, he returned to his mother’s embrace after trying to hang himself. “He began crying on my shoulder and saying I was right, he did need help,” wrote Sharon.

The Norrises took Ryan immediately for treatment. When he was released after only 20 days, his parents were still deeply concerned. Realizing quickly that he still was not well, they set up an early follow-up appointment with the doctor. But before that could take place, Ryan purchased a shotgun and took his life in the woods near his home.

What Now?
Today, Sharon ponders, “What if we had known the signs of depression?” The ministry she and Larry share helps keep others from wondering the same thing. They educate people about the signs of depression and present steps for what to do when someone needs help.

In response to their own great loss, the Norrises have been guided by the question, “What would Ryan want us to do?” The answer has led them to share the story of their life with Ryan and what they have since learned about recognizing depression and preventing suicide. The Norrises do this at reunions, retreats, and SPECTACULAR (a camp for senior high youth), and at schools and educational organizations. They are also active in events such as the “Out of the Darkness” walks, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Sharon said, “We hear positive stories about how this ministry has helped people identify the signs that a friend or loved one needs their help.” They have received more than a hundred calls from people contemplating suicide or those who have lost a loved one to suicide. “We are not professionals,” said Larry, “but we can empathize.” Ultimately, the Norrises know their work is helping save lives and they continue to be available on a personal level and to offer classes.

Illness Requires Treatment
Part of the education process is helping people understand depression. Not all people who have depression are suicidal, but more than 90 percent of people who are suicidal suffer from some form of depression. “It is an illness,” said Larry.

The Norrises encourage people to let go of any stigma they attach to depression and to realize that it is like any other health concern. “If you had diabetes, you would get treatment,” Larry explained; “this is no different.”

Statistics show that an overwhelming majority of people who seek treatment for depression show improvement. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only about 25 percent of people in the United States who have depression get professional help.

The Norrises are filled with hope when they hear testimonies from people who helped save a friend or recognized that what they were personally going through was in fact treatable and not “just the way things are.” They have said and will continue to say, “If you know the signs, you can help save a life.”

—Kendra Friend reporting
For more information about suicide prevention visit www.afsp.org. For immediate help, call 1-800-SUICIDE.