Rick Warren, pastor of one of the nation's largest evangelical churches, said his son committed suicide last week after battling depression and mental illness. Comments from Facebook:

It makes no difference if or what you believe; it's sad when you lose someone you love to suicide. Everyone involved blames themselves. They tell themselves: If they could have spent 20 more minutes, or if they had just called at the right time, it may have been avoided.

You can't imagine the pain unless you have been there.

Rokell Hopper

Notice how Warren described it: "You who watched Matthew grow up knew he was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate man. ... But only those closest knew that he struggled with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts." As though these two groups of traits were mutually exclusive.

Depression isn't a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde type of illness. Our society needs to understand it better.

Jen Kirley

Learn the signs and never be afraid to ask questions. Mental illness can affect anyone.

Stand up and demand more intervention for a friend, a loved one or a stranger. Don't turn your heads. We as a community must bring a feeling of safety, strength, love and family to those affected by this long and unfair journey.

Jacqueline Harris

Mental illness is a disease, not a sin. This is a painful lesson for those who feel differently.

My heart goes out to the Warren family. Hopefully, Rick Warren will now take a hard look at his judgmental message. Hopefully, his son found peace in death that he didn't have in life.

Keith Ponder

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