Real Men Do Cry: A Quarterback’s Inspiring Story of Tackling Depression and Surviving Suicide Loss

Real Men Do Cry, by former NFL quarterback Eric Hipple, is an incredible story of tragedy and triumph. After his 15-year-old son died of suicide, Eric fell into a debilitating downward spiral. Bankrupt and jailed for drunk driving, he found the strength to seek therapy for his own depression and was able to make an amazing comeback. With unflinching honesty, Eric shares his journey, thus opening the door for others to realize that depression is treatable. This page-turner is packed with practical resources for families living with depression and is a valuable tool for counselors and mental health professionals nationwide. Resources include a Nine-Symptom Checklist for Depression along with Signs of Depression and Possible Suicide Risk.

Eric Hipple, former quarterback for the Detroit Lions, made the comeback of his life when he sought help for his depression following the suicide of his 15-year-old son Jeff. Because no one recognized Jeff’s signs of depression and high risk for suicide, Eric now dedicates his life to helping others realize that depression is a treatable disease. He works with the University of Michigan Depression Center as outreach coordinator, where he travels nationwide speaking to teens and adults about ways to recognize the signs of depression and risks for potential suicide. Eric is the recipient of the prestigious 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award given by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and serves on the boards of the Mental Illness Research Association and the American Association of Suicidology.