Hailing from southern Illinois, Jeffrey Morris dedicated 20 years to his career as a math teacher and high school principal. A father of two, he served at Oakville, Edwardsville, and Affton high schools. After enduring significant personal challenges with mental illness, including six suicide attempts that affected his personal and professional life, Morris now travels across the Midwest, delivering suicide prevention education to students in grades 6–12, as well as to parents, teachers, and counselors. His own experiences fuel both his mission and his recently published book, Just Live, which debuted in September. Through the book, Morris recounts his journey, sharing valuable insights with the aim of providing hope to others facing similar challenges. His key message? Suicide can be prevented with awareness of the warning signs and understanding the appropriate steps to seek help.
Could you elaborate on your experiences with mental illness?
I’m 57 years old and have been grappling with depression since my junior high days. I received a diagnosis of bipolar II in my early 30s. The distinction between bipolar II and bipolar I is significant; while bipolar I is characterized by extreme highs and lows, bipolar II primarily involves the depressive episodes, with only subtle manic phases.
How did this affect your career?
Ultimately, I had to leave my role in education as a high school principal because managing the job alongside my mental health struggles was too challenging. Following this, I shifted my focus to teaching suicide prevention in schools. I briefly worked with an organization known as Kids Under Twenty One before branching out on my own to serve rural areas. Growing up in a small town in southern Illinois, I recognized the lack of resources in these communities—be it medical professionals or mental health specialists—and felt it was crucial to bring support to those areas.
What motivated you to write this book?
My goal was to create a resource that combines my experiences with mental illness, my background in education, and my research for my dissertation—something that people could pass on to others they believe may benefit from my journey. For example, a school counselor might share my book with a parent, saying, ‘Here’s something that could assist your child.’ I hope even high school students can find value in it.
What does sharing your story mean to you?
I have always been quite open with my experiences. My intention is to normalize the conversation around mental illness and to convey that there’s no shame in experiencing it. It is essential for people to understand that living with mental illness is not the end—it can be managed.
What can readers anticipate from your book?
Readers will find insights on what has helped me and what hasn’t. For instance, two decades ago, during my depressive episodes, I would assure myself, ‘I’ll never feel this way again.’ However, I’ve come to realize that such a mindset is unrealistic. Now, when I’m feeling down, I remind myself, ‘Jeff, you’ve experienced this before. You know what to do; this will pass.’ Consequently, I’ve shifted my focus from fearing future struggles to managing them when they arise.
You mentioned struggling with depression from a young age but only being diagnosed with bipolar II in your 30s. What was that journey like?
From my junior high years until my early 30s, I was unaware that I had a mental health issue. I felt something was off but simply thought, this is just who I am. It wasn’t until around 2000 that I recognized feeling suicidal was not normal. While working at a school, I discovered an employee assistance program and called for help, leading me to a counselor. However, the following decade was incredibly challenging, and my mental health deteriorated significantly. I attempted suicide six times between 1997 and 2010 and went through a divorce, with my mental health being a significant factor. I bear no ill will towards my ex-wife; she was there for me longer than I could have expected. I don’t regret any of it—it’s part of my journey.
What do you hope to achieve with this book?
My aspiration is for individuals resembling my experiences to receive help sooner. If I were a teenager today, I believe I would have had far better access to support—medication, counseling—than I had in the ‘80s when I was unaware of what depression really meant. I wish for today’s youth to have a vastly different narrative.
What aspect of the book are you most proud of?
I aimed to engage readers actively in their reading experience. At the end of each chapter, I encourage journaling, discussing how one must learn to manage stress rather than trying to eliminate it—it’s simply not feasible. I ask readers to identify their stressors, assess their coping mechanisms, and evaluate if those methods are healthy. A friend of mine, who has also faced mental health challenges, suggested incorporating this journaling aspect, and I believe it has become one of the most valuable parts of the book.
What do you think is the best way to support friends or family facing similar struggles?
Be a compassionate listener. Part of my motivation for writing the book stemmed from people frequently expressing discomfort with how to respond. I emphasize that it’s not about what you say but rather about allowing them to express themselves. Recall a time when you were feeling low, and simply talking to someone about your feelings uplifted you. Oftentimes, individuals just need someone to confide in, and while that alone doesn’t resolve their issues, it provides crucial support. Additionally, if you suspect someone may be suicidal, don’t hesitate to ask them about it. If you’re close enough to recognize their struggles, there’s a high likelihood that they are indeed facing issues. Even if they resist discussing it, they may still desire that connection. Let them know you’re there and willing to listen… Remember, suicide doesn’t stem from a desire to die but rather from a wish to escape pain without knowing the way forward.
What key understanding do you wish people had about mental illness?
A common misconception about mental illness is the stigma that still lingers. While that was a significant concern 15 to 20 years ago, today, people are beginning to recognize it as a legitimate medical issue requiring serious attention. I’ve observed two categories of individuals: those who live with mental health conditions and those who know someone affected. One critical point I want to convey is that suicide is preventable. Our mental health services, though imperfect, are far more effective than many realize. A large proportion of individuals who die by suicide are either not receiving any mental health care or are not adhering to their treatment plans. When individuals take their healthcare seriously—communicating with doctors, attending counseling sessions, adhering to medication—suicide risk is significantly diminished. Preventing suicide is conceptually straightforward, yet it requires persistent effort.
How can someone acquire a copy of Just Live?
It is currently available at Barnes & Noble. Additionally, residents in the St. Louis area can reach out to me directly—especially for bulk purchases. The more books bought, the better the price I can offer. My aim is not financial gain but rather to assist others. I believe that by distributing more copies, I can extend more help.
