Last night my husband came in to my office and asked me if Robin Williams was really dead this time. (He had been the subject of false death stories for the past few years) It didn't take long to confirm that, sadly, it was indeed true this time. And not only was he gone from us, it was by his own hand.
As someone who grew up watching Mr. Williams and saw his talent expand well beyond its original boundaries, I feel a personal loss - but I did not know him.
The pain his family and friends are experiencing right now is beyond my imagining. My heart goes out to them and words fail me, because there are no words that can lessen their grief and loss.
I had no idea that Mr. Williams suffered with depression. But I know others who have, and it's a devastating disease.
There is no amount of cajoling that will make depression go away. It is not possible to just "suck it up" and "get over it."
Statistics on depression and suicide are sobering.
Sometimes it seems that the question is not if a person battling depression will lose the fight, but when.
What can be done?
If you know someone who lives with depression, please recognize that it is not a character flaw or an attempt to hurt you. It is a painful and insidious disease that ends lives. Love and support are what is needed, not judgement. This link will take you to a page listing {Suicide Warning Signs}.
If you, yourself, are the sufferer, please reach out. There are Suicide Prevention Hotlines. There are support groups. There are therapies and medications. Just as there are many reasons for clinical depression, there are also many ways to fight it. The path out is different for each person. This link is to the {International Suicide Prevention Wiki} which will give you resources all over the world. The link also remains permanently on my side bar for whenever it might be needed.
You will be greatly missed Mr. Williams.
Rest in Peace.
{Official Robin Williams Website}
* "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't loose it."
- Robin Williams.
