Rochester Depression stalked Eric Hipple’s family for generations.
His mother ignored it. Hipple ignored it. Other relatives ignored it. But the former Lions quarterback couldn’t ignore it any longer after his son, Jeffrey, committed suicide in 2000. Now, Hipple travels the country trying to save lives and families. That message brought him to Oakland University this past weekend to kick off the Walk on Common Ground, a charity event for the Oakland County outreach group that helps identify and treat clinical depression. More than 200 came to hear Hipple’s story under blue skies. It is a story he tells quite often as outreach coordinator for the University of Michigan’s depression center. And it is a message that is very important in these tough economic times as people lose jobs, homes and hope. “Our message is, let’s get it treated earlier. Let’s recognize it earlier and let’s get a handle on the stresses of life,” he said. He gave some helpful tips for diagnosing stress. “Look for change,” he said. “Look for aches and pains and acting out, withdrawal and sleep problems. See if there are concentration problems. First go to a primary care physician and don’t just say something is wrong. Tell them exactly what is happening.”
Hipple, 51, who spent his whole career with the Lions (1980-89), is keeping a keen eye on Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford , who recently completed three days of orientation in Allen Park. Hipple understands the strain and celebrity of being a Lions quarterback and offered advice to Stafford and the Lions.