Posted by Hmmm, a resident of another community, on Feb 15, 2010 at 9:04 am

I hope that if there is any kind of afterlife, that she has found peace. I appreciate reading her family's comments, their depth of understanding about the ravages of bipolar disorder, and their ability to put themselves in her position. FWIW, I am thinking of her loved ones at this difficult time.

Posted by A human, a resident of the Portola Valley: other neighborhood, on Feb 24, 2010 at 8:59 am

Thank you to her father for being open with the public about the devastating effect of a "mental illness". I hope it will help others understand that most psychiatric problems have an underlying neurochemical basis and in spite of the strongest, most dedicated efforts of the patient, sometimes they can't be controlled.

I suffered dibilitating depression for years, amplified by my cultural belief that a significant component of my illness was a character defect in not being strong enough to overcome it. In fact, I was battling a serious undiagnosed case of Epstein Barr virus, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Why didn't any of my doctors pick up on it? Probably because I am an older mother and there is an unconcious prejudice against both depression and late motherhood.

I am very sad for the Mitchell family. Their deep understanding of her struggles seems to be helping them respect her choice. That doesn't lessen the grief but I hope it protects them from the emotions of blame and anger that are common to families of people who choose to end their lives. I have deep respect for them.