LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Live life in-person ...

Suicide and depression have decided to develop an undercurrent in my life lately, with several people I care about, and whose privacy I’ll respect here, discussing their struggles with depression and suicidal ideation.  

The recent passing of Robert Carradine, the actor many Gen X associates with “Revenge of the Nerds” and other ‘80s and ‘90s films, is just one more highlight. Carradine struggled with bipolar disorder, which his family has said led to him taking his life.  

Mental health is a huge issue in our area. Whenever my staff and I speak with law enforcement about a crime, it’s there. When we speak to those facing or living in homelessness, it’s there. When we speak with educators, it’s there. Frankly, when we speak with anyone: It’s there.  

These days, I think a large part of the problem is that we’ve gotten so wrapped up in the digital age of interacting with one another through social media, email and other technological means that we’ve forgotten the power of human interaction. Even with incidental interactions like the protests that have happened in the area recently, we flippantly make harsh remarks or rude gestures.  

All of those behaviors, in my non-medical opinion, are among the biggest challenges we have in the U.S. - and globally – when it comes to mental health. A lack of mental health professionals stacks on top of that and a lack of understanding of mental health concerns by most people adds more fuel to the fire.  

Depression and suicidal ideation don’t see political, economic, racial or other boundaries. There are disparities, but nobody is immune just because their demographics give them better odds. The world lost Robin Williams, a man who likely made billions laugh, or at least millions of people laugh millions of times. I’ve lost friends from my time in the Army to suicide. Farmers lose hope and take their own lives, something Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is working to address. Teens take their lives in our communities way more than too often – even once is too often.  

In 2024, Washington saw more than 1,200 suicides statewide.  

Research from Washington State University, however, shows that communities are healthier when we act neighborly.  

“Your neighborhood is where you spend the majority of time, and it’s become clear that social support, safety, and cohesion are major health outcome factors,” said WSU’s Shawna Beese, who studies rural health.  

My point for this column is simple: Put down the phone, tablet, mouse or controller and go interact with a real human.  

I know the interactions we have with our devices and online communities take less effort than leaving the house for social events, but we need to remember the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” In-person, real-life interactions are just better for us both as individuals and as a community. They help us feel connected and less alone.  

A few ideas, if you’re feeling isolated. Swing into a local game shop, library or community center. Sign up to play in a card tournament, participate in a book club or bowling league. Volunteer at a nonprofit. Get involved in a church group. Find a buddy to go fishing with. 

And, if you’re not up for those or just not able to get around much, reach out to folks directly with a phone call or schedule a video chat with family and friends. Connect to humans in positive ways. Don’t sit in your siloed social media channels. The algorithm is not your friend and is only trying to feed the company’s bottom line, not your mental health.  

For those struggling with mental health, 9-8-8 is available by text or phone call. If your employer offers an employee assistance program, mental health access is often included there. For my fellow veterans, mental health assistance is available through Bates Counseling Service in Quincy and by contacting your local VA office.  

Let’s take care of each other and work on remembering to live life in person. And, don’t forget that a hug from a loved one is one of the best things ever. 

As someone who has faced depression and suicidal ideation, I am here because I chose to live life in-person and connect with real people. It isn’t a magic wand, but it is an immensely powerful tool. 

With appreciation, 

R. Hans “Rob” Miller
Managing Editor
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal