Understand manic-depression

In light of the recent “murder-suicide” article, we the family of Walt and Trudy Franzen feel it necessary to clarify a few points on their behalf.

Walt had been suffering for a number of years with bipolar disorder — also called manic-depressive illness.

It is a widely misunderstood illness that must be monitored closely and treated with daily medication and psychotherapy. People suffering from this disease experience wild mood swings, crushing depressions that last for weeks or even months, to be followed by the manic stage of unstopable erratic behavior. This pattern continues over and over again.

Walt was currently on medication but had remained depressed for several months. He appeared to be coming up from this last bout. In retrospect, we realize he was seemingly happy because he had made up his mind to forever free himself and his family from his sickness — an all-too-common solution people afflicted with manic-depression arrive at.

Walt was all Trudy had in the world and she loved him dearly. Trudy expressed her wishes to go with her husband several times. They had even discussed it.

We feel they were not afraid of death but heartbreakingly defeated by life.

We ask that you allow their memory to rest in peace. Thanks to all of you who have given us your support through this difficult time. The Franzen and Gavelek families Nancy Gavelek Trenton