Media

Watch These News Anchors Break Down While Describing Their Colleague’s Suicide, and Try Not to Cry

Maybe I’m a sap, but I couldn’t make it through this video without plenty of tears. I doubt you will be able to either.

Don Harman was a meteorologist at Kansas City’s WDAF-TV. But he struggled with depression. Earlier this week, he took his own life.

On Thursday, his colleagues shared details of his struggle (at the request of the family). But the segment was more than just a PSA about the problems with depression. It offered a glimpse of how the people we see deliver the news every day are human too, how they cope when the newscasters become the news, and it will give you an appreciation for the love of your friends and loved ones.

TV Spy sets the scene:

“They wanted us to be frank with you about it,” Halifax, on the verge of tears, said. “They want you to know, if you struggle, or if someone else you know struggles, please don’t ever stop trying. Please don’t ever stop trying to get help.”

The pair, joined by reporter Nick Vasos and meteorologist Karli Ritter, spent an emotional morning remembering their friend and colleague, often speaking through tears. “We’re laughing and crying our way through this,” Halifax said, shaking an empty tissue box on the anchor desk.

You can watch both videos below:

Comments (164)

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  • rowdygirl
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:55am

    Suicide is a devastating event in any family. My sister in law killed herself almost ten years ago and at times, it’s still very surreal. It’s hard to imagine being in that much pain, and obviously we can‘t see into someone’s soul and heart. What a shame that this man was so loved, and still couldn’t find his way out of the darkness.
    God Bless him family.

    Report Post »  
    • slackjaw79
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 11:08am

      What a disgusting comment by some of these people on here. Depression is a disease caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. You people have no sympathy and you’re supposed be Christians. You need to start reading your Bibles again.

      Report Post »  
    • Brizz
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 11:21am

      @ruler4you

      Your comments reflect your lack of experience. Lucky for you. My cousin took his life when he was 15, and he was never selfish. I do not agree with suicide. It devastated my family and I understand how that may seem selfish, but I will never fully understand what he was going through.

      Report Post » Brizz  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:00pm

      @ RULER4YOU
      Relax , we don‘t know what’s going on in their mind , they need our support to save their lives but most of them they go through a hidden condition of depression & ounce it‘s discovered it’s too late .
      LORD have mercy on us .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • chewy1969nc01
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:03pm

      I have been there done that with depression.. and never once thought you know … I will just end it all… no matter how bad it is things will get better… Support is what EVERYONE needs… drugs, a good punching bag, or just an ear…

      Report Post »  
    • wheelz0505
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:11pm

      Ruler4You…..What a righteous, cold, and ignorant thing to say!

      Report Post »  
    • frust@ted
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:17pm

      Ruler4You

      We show sympathy for the living mourning the dead and offer them our prayers and support. Posts like yours bring nothing to further the conversation and only serve you. Think about others feelings before you post next time especially if you are going to have the audacity to call someone else selfish.

      If you are too self-absorbed to read between the lines I’m saying that your post was selfish.

      Report Post »  
    • wigg
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:22pm

      Slackjaw79
      Amen to that!

      Report Post » wigg  
    • KevWinPal
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:22pm

      Suicide is for Weaklings. Cherish the adversity and figure it out. It is so easy and selfish to commit suicide. Stop relying on your crutch and the reward for overcoming the weakness will be greater than the suffering.

      Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:53pm

      So sorry Rowdygirl–I want to thank you for something though. One thing I hear so often from people is “what a selfish, selfish act!” and it breaks my heart. You stated it so well, to be in that much pain… If you have never struggled through depression, then you really have no idea the amount of guilt that person is already going through. That statement, though it may somewhat ring true is just another blow to an already fragile psyche, and if they are considering suicide, it is another confirmation of what they already believe about themselves. A severely depressed person goes through extreme guilt for feeling the way they do—trying to figure out why they feel this way when other people have it worse. So for someone to angrily tell them that killing themself would be a selfish act is a confirmation of what they already believe about themselves. So if anyone does encounter someone going through this—I suggest contacting a professional or doing heavy reading on how you can deal with that person on THEIR level of rationale. The typical phrases (you have so much going for you…why would you do that?…that is selfish….what about your family?, etc.) are not effective as this is not a chosen path for them. It’s a chemical situation in their brain that prevents them from handling stress and crisis the way a normal person does.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • jszmiller
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:19pm

      A friend of minecommitted suicide… we all struggle with the rights and wrongs of suicide, but the preacher put it the best way I’ve ever heard… “He died from his disease…depression”
      God bless his family and friends as they deal with their loss.

      Report Post »  
  • PATRIOTMAMA
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:53am

    Suicide is a completely selfish act, however, there by the grace of God go I. Please don’t judge someone. Pity them with God’s heart towards His children. It is truly tragic that people fall into a pit that they cannot see their way out of. Please pray for this man’s family. Satan is the father of all lies and pray that people see throught he deception he brings by telling people that they have no other choice or that this world and the people they care about would be better off without them. Take this segment as a testimony that it devastates your loved ones like no other pain to loose someone in this selfish way. No matter how bad your life seems there can be hope in Christ that weeping may last for the night but Joy cometh in the morning. Cling to Him (yes and I do mean cling to your faith Mr. President) He is the only way out!!! May God bless anyone who reads this that is contimplating taking their own life and any family that is dealing with this. Prayer works, God is awesome and He and only He is the light of this world, Call out to Him take Him in and let Him heal the wounds of your soul. I’ll be praying for you.

    Report Post »  
    • Bonnieblue2A
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 11:04am

      I pity the little girl who will always wonder why her Daddy chose death over staying around to be her father. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and co-workers. It is always the survivors who are left with the pain after a loved one takes his/her own life.

      Report Post »  
  • Eraldo NY Tea Party
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:52am

    After we took God out of daily lives, promoting abortion, ****, and Political CRAZINESS Correctness The Lord distance Himself of us as a nation given opportunity tho the Evil to raise.

    See the signs of our moral decadence and turn back to God in Jesus The Savior.

    God Bless.

    Report Post » Eraldo NY Tea Party  
  • Conkuur
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:49am

    Very sad indeed! After seeing this through all the tears at least at the end I had a bit of a chuckle at the name of the Bank “Tightwad Bank” very amusing name .

    Report Post » Conkuur  
  • rednana
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:43am

    My husband of 25 years took his own life after suffering from depressions for many many years. Hardly anyone knew, except for a colleague who grew up with a depressed father, and our family. They hide it so well, but it’s the family members they live with who suffer along with them. If you are depressed, and choose to take your life, know this: your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your parents, and all your friends will forever miss you, blame themselves, blame each other, and lose one of the most special people in their life. Do. Not. Choose. Death. It will destroy your family, they will NOT be better off.
    Been there, still dealing with it.

    Report Post »  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:04pm

      GOD Bless you .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • bellereve
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:26pm

      actually, they won’t. everyone will carry on and SAY they cared, could have helped, blah, blah, blah. if they did care, they would have actually listened to the person, and paid attention to them, there are ALWAYS signs. people choose to ignore them. ‘my friend’ is going about it differently, ‘s/he’ talked to her friends and family, and unfortunately, they all know it will come down to a cost saving act in a few months. physically, mentally and financially. they’ve accepted it, wish they could help, but, none of them are in a place to offer solutions, and all know the reasons why, they’ve all made peace. the only last request is that they don’t vote nobama in the next election. ;)

      it is sad…but, in today’s reality, and economic times, (did everything morally right in life, which is one of the reason they couldn’t make it financially, still couldn’t find work after being laid off, because after a certain time, people throw you away like you never tried and aren’t worth anything after a certain age.) so sometimes, people really ARE better (and worth more to their family) off dead.

      Report Post » bellereve  
    • Suzanne Winter
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:32pm

      *witnessing*

      Report Post » Suzanne Winter  
    • The Sergeant Major
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:30pm

      Thank you for your insightful words. Most that commit suicide are focused on their pain and not the pain that the survivors will have to endure. God’s Speed!!

      Report Post » The Sergeant Major  
  • copatriots
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:36am

    Sadly, suicides will increase. We created a country/society where we reject all things of God, women are encouraged to abort their babies, men are encouraged to be feminized, women have had to be the leader of their families, children aren’t disciplined or taught morals or responsibility for their actions. We are told we came from nothing, blobbed out of the ocean and/or are descendants of monkeys and when we die we go nowhere. If you believe or support all of that, life IS depressing. There comes a point in which you know what you believed was a lie. And there are only two possible outcomes.

    Rest in peace, Don Harman. May God provide love and comfort to your families during this most difficult time.

    Report Post »  
    • Auntie izlam
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:00pm

      Geez anti-abortion fanatics will use any excuse to insert it into the conversation. Shame on you. This thread is NOT about abortion.

      Report Post »  
    • sodacrackers2
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Anti-Izlam, you anti-life people get on my nerves.

      Report Post »  
    • copatriots
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:15pm

      Miss the point much, Auntie. It is interesting how you picked out that one issue. Is society’s degradation of men any more relevant to the story than abortion? I was clearly commenting on the decline of morality in this country leading to losing hope. As a result, people are taking the most drastic of measures. I have incredible sadness for humankind knowing many more will choose that sad path as society continues in their attempt of removing our one True Hope where our founding fathers placed their firm reliance.

      Report Post »  
    • theniki
      Posted on December 4, 2011 at 8:38am

      You do realize that atheism and agnosticism have been around for hundreds of years, right? And that suicides have not increased because people have come to rely on science for answers? I’m an atheist, I believe we, and all life are a product of evolution, and I believe death is the end. And I’m an extremely happy, productive, moral person. Depression is a disease, it is not caused by a lack of faith, it is caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain, generally a lack of serotonin. I’ve known MANY people who have taken their own lives, because depression runs in my family, and several people who were full of faith have tried or succeeded in killing themselves. That is the hard part about depression, it is not rational, it is living in extreme pain that has no obvious cause, which adds guilt and confusion to an already fragile psyche. I have so much sympathy for his family, and I hope they can find strength through this unbelievably difficult time.

      Report Post »  
  • cessna152
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:34am

    Only Glenn is allowed to cry (sorry)

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • Tomess
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:10am

      KURWA,

      I know you’re trying to be provocative, but holy cow what a despicable thing to write. No, that’s a despicable thing to even think. About anyone. We have at least some bond with all humanity as fellows in the common experience of life. Even the death of people like Bin Laden is sobering, though a necessary and godly form of justice in my opinion.

      I wish the sufferers of this man’s egregious error in judgement peace, and his daughter as balanced a life as possible.

      Report Post »  
    • Tomess
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:19am

      To clarify, I was responding to a jerkwad named kurwa who said he hopes Glenn is “swinging in his basement soon.”

      Report Post »  
    • kurwa
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:20am

      yes you are right, human life is sacred, thank you for the reminder, even for muslims and occupy people.

      Report Post » kurwa  
  • leanne211
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:33am

    The people of KC were shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Don Harman. I may not have known him personally but have shed tears thinking of what a positive difference he made in many lives and knowing he did this while struggling through serious depression. You never know what is going through the minds of people you encounter in day to day life. Please try to be kind, share your smile and know that your positive actions could make a huge difference in someone’s life. Rest in Peace Don, we will miss you. Thoughts and prayers to Don’s family at home and in the news room.

    Report Post »  
    • txdawna
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:39am

      To: Leanne211. Very nice thoughts and insight.

      Report Post »  
  • faires
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:30am

    So Sorry for the loss….We had two good friends who didn’t know each other who commited suicide_ and it leaves a vacancy, a void with questions that can‘t answered or a hole that can’t be filled ___you simply mourn, and then go on……

    Report Post » faires  
  • OhSuzieQ
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:27am

    Very sad, very sad indeed.

    Report Post » OhSuzieQ  
  • altops
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:26am

    Suicide is thee most selfish act one can perform. And from his age, he has not spent enough time seeking help. Shame on you if your even considering suicide.

    Report Post » altops  
    • ironSharpensIron
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:46am

      I have to agree…your life is not your own to take. But, I do know the low feeling, and I can understand how someone would feel there is no way out. To make matters worse, we have free flowing SSRI’s (selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors) prescribed by doctors for depression – which can lead to suicide. I wonder if this news anchor was on them…I hope not. If so, that would be criminal.

      Report Post »  
    • kapnkd
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:50am

      Those who are despondent enough to take their own lives really shouldn’t be considered selfish. Right or wrong, they have reached a point to where, to them, THE only logical way to resolve the issues/pain/suffering in their life is by ending it.

      Please read the posting directly below yours by “Jenny Lind” as she(??) says it best.

      Report Post » kapnkd  
    • Tomess
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:25am

      I’m sure there is more than one motivator of suicide. Selfishness and the desire to elicit the ultimate response of grief from the people around you is probably a common one, but I‘m not sure it’s the only one.

      I for one happen to believe that a Satanic attack (that is, a completely external spiritual assault) can cause someone’s judgement to lapse for the split second long enough to pull a trigger or kick a chair over. Spiritual warfare has NEVER been so prevalent. If we could see it in action it would make our hair turn white.

      Report Post »  
    • patriot55
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:40pm

      People who have never suffered from a chemical imbalance/depression do not understand nor did I until I found myself suffering from this disorder at age 55. The suicidal thoughts which overpower a depressed person are beyond control or reason. I suffered for almost a year on my own and slowly began to talk about it and get help. I have a wonderful life, with two great kids, a great job, great health, and yes a strong faith and church family and yet I found myself dwelling on death and suicide. Do not judge suicide harshly until you’ve experienced it. Be kind to one another.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 7:01pm

      Actually, if people would just stop and listen to the words coming out of their mouths, or re-read the emails that they send to others and to the general, and just pay attention overall rudeness that has permeated our society, you will be shocked. Today, people think nothing of calling others names and being critical of everything. People can’t disagree about an issue, it has to become a power struggle with the meanest person winning. And the sad part is that one individual may not know that someone else that he/she just shot down is struggling to deal with depression.

      Suicide yields a lot of collateral damage with the family and the friends. It is a true tragedy.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:10am

    There have two suicides in our family, a brother and cousin, and several friends over the years. The questions never seem to go away, but I finally realized that some people are in so much emotional pain they can no longer cope. It leaves shattered people behind who never have the answer if they could have helped. At this point in my life I realize no one can help these tortured souls but God, and as He is mercifull and understands our hearts, he will be their comforter. He will also be the ones left behind’s comforter too. Only when we let it go can we find peace, but it’s tough to do when someone you care about does this. May all concerned find peace, we will understand it all someday.

    Report Post »  
  • showmerancher
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:08am

    Don brought a smile to our faces each morning and joy into the hearts of many in the community through his many charitable activities. He will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace, my friend. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

    Report Post »  
  • rubydee
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:59am

    As someone who has suffered from depression I understand how devastating it can be in life. It pretty much takes over every aspect of daily living. I pray that this man is with God now and all his suffering is over. RIP, Don.

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:59am

    It’s amazing that we all think that we are in control of ourselves. Yet, despite our advances in technology, and everything else, there is no cure for depression. The ads for the latest medication all talk about “managing” our depression, not curing it. God is the only one who can truly cure it. He works in his own time to affect our lives.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • thegoonch
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:55am

    He was very quick with the jokes and very much on top of his game. Very corny. Great weather guy. The Blaze should pick one Don Harmon clip to add to this piece, It is probably meaningless outside of Missouri and Kansas, but the love from his coworkers seems real. Everyone needs to count your blessings.

    Report Post » thegoonch  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:53am

    One of our local meteorologists here in Tampa did this back in 2007. John Winter was just as happy on the outside as the next guy then one day he just couldn’t deal with things anymore and he put an end to it all.

    RIP, Mr Harman and condolences to your family.

    Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Paul Kersey
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:16am

      Sadly, laughing on the outside, crying on the inside is a very common aspect of depression. I was diagnosed in 1994 with Major Recurring Depressive Disorder.

      Despite the myriad of visits to doctors, therapists and the mountain of anti-depressant medications, for some, there is little relief. I am fortunate that to this point that support and vigilance by family help me recognize when I am hitting the slippery slope.

      If you know someone so afflicted, never give up on them, no matter how frustrating it may feel. We do not choose to be like this and would change in a nano-second if it were optional.

      Report Post » Paul Kersey  
    • Banter
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:16am

      Hey BioHazard23
      We live in Lakeland, and remember this well. Very sad

      Report Post » Banter  
    • Harry Assenback
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:15pm

      Live in Winter Haven. Remember him also . Sad.

      Report Post » Harry Assenback  
  • lynnissmart
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:52am

    I am sad that he couldn’t save himself……

    Report Post »  
    • ironSharpensIron
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:49am

      Do you listen to yourself…nobody can “save” himself. The perpetual lie.

      Report Post »  
  • mycomet123
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:50am

    Heartbreaking! I pray that Jesus will provide comfort to all his family & friends!

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:50am

    .
    Wifes brother took his own life, he left a wife and two shattered kids……….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:48am

    How sad sometimes you just don’t think you can make it. I’m sure he will be missed by his family and friends.

    Report Post »  
  • Ed_Kel
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:43am

    I‘ve lost two friends to depression and this news cast couldn’t have nailed it better; never stop trying folks. Nothing is worth dying for.

    Report Post »  
  • PATRIOTGRUNT
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:42am

    Sad very sad.

    Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
  • Dale B
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:42am

    I am here in KC where this show airs. I watched Don most every morning before going to work. He was a colorful and funny guy. He did alot of things around here with the community also.
    I would have never guessed this guy had a bout with depression.
    RIP Don

    Report Post » Dale B  
  • NewLife56
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:33am

    This really puts things in deep perspective. I know I look forward to being in the place where there will be no sadness, no pain, no sorrow, and NO death. And We all will be happy when the last tear is wiped away, forever.

    Report Post » NewLife56  
    • W@nd@
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:00am

      amen and even greater than that is
      though in life we have valleys, sadness and struggles,
      we are not alone…when friends try to help and they cant reach where your at
      there is one friend that sticks closer than a brother and is right in the mix with you…
      He clearly says, I will never leave you or forsake you…and
      in the Word of life, in the handbook He gave us
      to help us live this life, we find the answers! (Bible)
      He helps us walk through the shadows and
      the dark places..
      Never give up. Never give in but go on…
      He helps us press to the toward the mark of the high calling in life
      through the anointing Jesus has and gives to us…
      He guides you thru to victory over whatever disables you in life!
      Trusting Him our sadness in time will change to joy…unspeakable and full of glory!
      Coming to know Jesus was the best thing that ever happened to me!

      Report Post »  
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