A bit OT, but there seems to be an assumption in this thread that Gary Speed killed himself because he was depressed.

For one thing, the police have only said that it appears Speed took his own life and that there were no suspicious circumstances. Note the word 'appears'. Fudd is right, this is not yet proven and it might actually not be suicide.

For another, I have sat through 5 Live, Sky Sports and Sky Sports News for most of today and nobody who has been interviewed has said anything that wasn't along the lines of 'I can't believe this has happened and I've no idea why he would kill himself'. It suggests that if Speed WAS depressed to the point of suicide, his condition was an extremely closely guarded secret on his part.

I would hope that Speed's close family would be informed of any medical circumstances that might have led him to kill himself, and that if suicide IS the verdict, that they will release a statement that clarifies these circumstances and helps to minimise speculation about why he died.

Regarding Robbie, he did a brave thing by presenting 606. Others who knew Speed well, such as Craig Bellamy, opted out of their jobs today due to their grief. I respect Robbie for carrying on as a tribute to his friend.

Hadnt thoughtof that regarding friends speaking out to divert attention from the family. In my own experience the press can be thoroughly heartless in such situations

Im afraid Im not a footie fan, Id never heard his name until today, but a suicide is always a tragedy, and I do feel very sad for his family. Liklihood is they will never be able to come up with the answers they will so desperately feel they need.

Well said, I also think that because of Robbie's dad's Alzheimers he's learned that talking about the situation helps other people in ways you can't imagine.

Such sad news about Gary Speed, I can't even begin to imagine how awful this must be for his wife, children and parents.

Robbie has always come across very much as a heart on sleeve type of guy which I guess is why he is comfortable talking about his loss. I only managed to listen to a small part of 606 but thought it was very touching how he wanted to help honour his friend.

You may well be right there, Ive always found it helps me (and Ive had depression for abt 20 yrs now) Its easy to feel alone and talking does help. So does distracting yourself with work, although, of course everyones different, and what one person would do, another person wouldnt.

Why did he kill himself, was it depression?

That's awful Tissy.

It is difficult for people to understand about depression unless they have been through it. I have suffered from it, not for a long period though, though I have to look after myself, as I do not want it back. I got help straight away, it's a very dark and lonely place but my OH has been a rock.

No one seems to know? and its been questioned if it was actually suicide. Fact is we may never know, people with depression dont view the world with quite the same eyes as happy people. Regardless of whether or not it was suicide, the death of a 42 yr old man, is to me, a 46 yr old, an absolute tragedy.

I really feel for Gary Speed's family and friends today as my father took his own life 24 years ago, and we still don't know all the reasons why. He didn't seem depressed, was in good health and had his family living close by. I actually threatened to lump the coroner when he gave the normal verdict "while the balance of the mind was disturbed" as I wouldn't accept that he was in any way mentally disturbed.
We don't know exactly what happened to Gary Speed, speculation helps nobody and only gives the tabloids an excuss to boost their sales for a few days. Only close friends will really be in a position to offer meaningful help, but I do know that all the messages of support expressed via the TV, internet etc can help to ease the imediate burden from the way my mum reacted to similar messages from my father's ex-colleagues and friends.

Feel for you as know exactly what you mean. I do believe (Not sure I could handle it if it were not so) that peoples understanding of depression and suicide has moved on in leaps and bounds since those dark days. I know it from bitter experience as happened to my mother in law and her sister about the same amount of time ago,and it certainly wasnt pretty. Today I believe there is not only far more in the way of help available, but far more understanding of the situation also.

My thoughts and condolences are obviously with the family of Gary Speed today ..and to his extended family in the footballing world.
Robbie has shown amazing courage today ...I'm sure I couldn't have done it. I just hope now he is given some time to grieve his friend and maybe go home and hug his wife and children. I'm sure that is the one thing that may help him at the moment.
Chin up Robbie ...we are all there for you

Oh honey, I am so sorry! I can't imagine the pain, but thank you for talking about it.

You dont know what you can do until its put on your plate. Whilst we all react in different ways, and bless the diversity of the Human Race, I think when most of us come up against something cold and hard we fight on. Even those of us with depression. Somehow, someway, we continue.

If those of us who have been affected directly by it, continued to hide away as per "the old days" then nothing would ever progress. Today there is FAR more understanding. Thank heavens for that. By talking and sharing we are able to lend an understanding ear to each other, and a "learning curve" for those who have not been affected in the same way. Sharing means we are not alone, and it also means others may understand

You're right, it also makes the rest of us count our blessings which I've definitely done today, my 12 year old is hiding because I've hugged him so often today.

It is, the depths one must go to to actually do something like that, is so sad. I cant think of how bad he must have been feeling to do it

Consider this: what would it take to make YOU have the courage to do that?

Well Ive been a depressive for a long time. And my son is a self-harmer whos repeatedly made attempts at suicide. I count blessings every day that my very old parents are still with me, my son has been bouyed up by the birth of his own son and I have a very resiliant and gorgeous lovely daughter. These are my blessings. and these are the things that even in the darkest times keep me going. Its the SIMPLE things that are the best things.

I'd rather not speculate on the whys and wherefores when the facts aren't yet known, so will simply say my deepest condolences go out to Gary Speed's family, friends and loved ones.

I'm a Newcastle United fan and Gary will always be a 'Local Hero' to the Toon Army.

Me to.. So sad. RIP Gary.

I agree. thoughts to his family and Robbie too xx

Have a virtual hug from me, it sounds like you and your son are survivors who have come out of the other end with strength and dignity, I'm humbled. And congratulations on a beautiful grandson.

Oh he is GORGEOUS DARLING (as Craig would say ) lol

Gary played for Everton, my lifelong team, and was absolutely brilliant - it must be awful for Robbie to lose a friend in such a devastating way and to have to carry on in a dance show but he will because he's a man of integrity.

Hence the value of sunlight in the soul to anyone privileged and lucky.