HOUSTON - Debi Strong was diagnosed with clinical depression when she was 14.
That was when the therapy and medication began. The pictures mask the pain, she says, from emotional and sexual abuse, that followed her through adulthood.
“I worked in a crime lab and had done a lot of suicides. (I thought) not to use a gun, because I didn't want to leave that kind of mess,” Strong said.
Six years ago, she attempted suicide by overdosing on pills.
“I put them in a little pile, a few at a time so I wouldn’t throw up until I passed out,” Strong said. “The only note I left was, ‘I’m sorry,’ because I was too sad to write a note.”
Sadly, Strong’s story is far too common. One in 10 men and one in 5 women in this country will suffer depression at some time in their life.
Many people may have a passing thought about ending their lives. But when is it time to seek help?
“They think about all the time or worse start planning what they would do to end their live or worse, start planning or rehearsal for that,” said Dr. Jonathan Stevens, a psychiatrist with the Menninger Clinic. “Depression is a very common illness. It is also very treatable. A lot of fantastic medicines and psychotherapies are available.”
With Strong’s suicide attempt, her family sent her to a nationally recognized mental health clinic in Houston.
“Without Menninger, I literally would not be here talking to you. I'd for sure be dead,” she said.
At 62, Strong credits medication, therapy and new coping skills – art therapy in particular -- for a brighter picture. In fact, her drawings became an exhibition and greeting cards -- images that no longer mask pain but reveal a new way of seeing the world.
Mental Health Resources:
re:MIND - Depression and Bipolar Support
(713) 600-1131
Support groups and resources for people with depression or bipolar disorder, and their families
NAMI Houston
(713) 970-4419
Support groups, education, advocacy
Harris Center 24-hour Crisis Line:
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis may call The Harris Center’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-866-970-4770, or 713-970-7000, option 1.
For information on outpatient services at The Harris Center, please call the Patient Access Line at 713-970-7000, option 2, to determine eligibility for one of our Mental Health Outpatient Clinics or visit our website at TheHarrisCenter.org.
For eligibility assessments, please call the Patient Access Line at 713-970-7000, option 2, to determine eligibility for one of our Mental Health Outpatient Clinics.
Parents and legal guardians seeking services for their children may visit the 4th Floor of the Southwest Community Service Center located at 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, 77074.
Adults seeking services may visit any of our Community Service Centers:
• Northwest Community Service Center (3737 Dacoma, Houston)
• Southwest Community Service Center (9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston)
• Southeast Community Service Center (5901 Long Drive, Houston)
• Northeast Community Service Center (7200 North Loop East Freeway, 77028)
No appointment is needed, and walk-ins are processed until daily slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 3 pm.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at or visit their website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.