Janet Pearsall Haney
and father Russell Pearsall
Remembering an Angel:
Janet Pearsall Haney
by Kevin Caruso
Janet Pearsall Haney was a beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, caring, and outgoing person.
She had a wonderful father, Russell, and a great husband who she just wed 9 months ago, Rodney Haney.
Janet's lifelong dream was to become a teacher -- and her "A" average in college,
great personality, love of children, and insatiable desire to learn made her a perfect candidate.
But Janet struggled with depression and bipolar disorder, and because of the severe mood swings
that she endured, she was not able to teach.
And that caused her depression to worsen.
She believed that she would never realize her dream to become a teacher, and her frustration, sadness, anger, and desperation grew each day.
On August 2, 2004, Janet left her home and never returned.
She drove her car into a shed at a self-storage facility and died by suicide from carbon monoxide inhalation.
She was not found until August 28th.
She was 26.
She left a 4-page suicide note, but the contents of the note were not disclosed.
Janet was a special person.
Everyone loved her.
And now she is an angel.
We miss you Janet.
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Studies indicate that 25 to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide.
So it is imperative that people with bipolar disorder take their medication and receive ongoing therapy.
Lithium is oftentimes prescribed for people with bipolar disorder, and is usually very effective at controlling symptoms, but it does not work for everyone.
But regardless of the medication taken, therapy is extremely important. A therapist may be able to spot some warning signs that would require special attention.
And a therapist can help people with bipolar disorder cope with any challenges that may arise.
Again, people with bipolar disorder should get into therapy and stay in therapy.
Bipolar disorder may not be an easy disorder to deal with, but it is most definitely manageable.
Suicide is never the answer.
