By Nancy Virden (c)2026

Robert Carradine, age 71, died by suicide this week. Carradine was best known for his roles as Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds film series and as Sam McGuire in the television series Lizzie McGuire. (See more about his career).

He also had bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic-depressive. Bipolar has two extremes (two poles), depression and euphoria (known as mania). As with all disorders, physical, personality, or mental, people live on a spectrum. Bipolar II is less severe than Bipolar I, and variances exist in and between them.

Gabe Howard, a suicide prevention influencer, author, and podcaster, posted a video explaining his fear of never “getting over” his own bipolar disorder. Carradine’s death reminded him that mental disorders can be lifetime challenges. He ends his comments suggesting there may not be a way out, only forward.

Do you agree?

If you struggle with occasional or regular suicidal thoughts, how can you protect yourself from becoming a statistic? How can you forge a valiant and noble legacy?

1. Lay a Foundation: Rock makes for a most reliable base for any building. Sand does not. If your life, your purpose, is structured on a solid, immovable foundation, the storms of a mental disorder will not destroy you. The rock base will keep you from collapsing. My Rock is Jesus, who does not change like shifting shadows or vain promises do. He answers me with comforting peace and real hope when I call on Him. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect (2 Samuel 22:31-33).
2. Make a quality decision: Choose now how you want to live and how you want to be remembered. Make a decision to learn how to enjoy life. Make suicide an anathema for you; hate it! Hate what your suicide will do to your loved ones, pets, people who see you as an example, and the community. Copycat suicide can be a contagion. Those left behind, even those you do not know, will wonder for the rest of their lives, why? They will feel guilty for not knowing how to help you with your pain.  Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life… (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
3. Know your reasons why you choose life: Is there a dream you want to fulfill? Is there a loved one who needs you, or a dear pet? Do you want to fight for a cause? You can make a difference! Hopelessness is a mere shadow that will disappear in the light. The number one reason I have not attempted suicide again is that I want to honor God. A suicide does not honor Him, but a life lived in His strength does. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us (Hebrews 6:18).
4. Understand your symptoms and how to manage them: Emotional resiliency is a skill that can be taught and learned. I teach it in my free Living Grace classes. Resiliency responds to hopelessness with a plan and practical tools. What triggers your suicidal thoughts? You can learn to avoid that and prepare for tense and strong emotions before they occur.  I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (Jesus, in John 14:27).
5. Reach out: People enjoy helping when they know what to do or say. Most do not know how to address someone who is confessing suicidal thoughts. Instead of only family and friends, reach out to the experts. Psychiatrists and therapists are trained to deal with your thoughts- let them help. God says asking Him for wisdom is the best plan: Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding (Proverbs 2:2,3).

Statistically speaking, Carradine fell into an age range where suicide is more prevalent. Suicide rates climb for men over the age of 70, hitting their peak after age 84.* While causes of suicide vary, a sense of hopelessness is the belief that a situation or challenge cannot change for the better. It is a common experience. Depression is evidenced in most cases of death by suicide.

Nevertheless, no one has to become a statistic. Reduce access to lethal means in your work and home areas. Reduce substance use. Use available resources to prevent suicide. Call 988 or 911 in a crisis.

Hope is possible; so is life.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Deuteronomy 31:8 (To those who surrender to God)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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*https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html