And Then He Died: Depression in the Arts

Depression can be well-hidden. I didn’t understand the extent of my friend’s suffering until it was too late.

There is no “right” time to post an article such as this. This is, in part, the true story of my friend, Marlon Parry, as I knew him.

It is also a cautionary piece about getting involved in the arts without a strong constitution, a plan if your vocation or avocation does not progress as anticipated, and balance.

This piece is personal, and I have no idea if Marlon would have approved of it (I suspect he would have); my decision is based on a judgement call, as I believe putting a face to the words here will help the story resonate and nudge others who have found themselves in similar positions to seek help if necessary.

My Friend

Marlon Parry was born on September 12, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan, and died by hanging on May 6, 2011.

In hindsight maybe his Twitter account, which he opened just nine months prior in August of 2010, provided a clue.