Robin Williams

Robin Williams has died from apparent suicide. This is a tough one. For ALL of us in the mental health world. Let’s keep perspective. This is a tragedy, but depression has symptoms and suicide is one of them. Most of us have been there. His pain was stronger than his ability to see any hope in the future. It’s what depression does to all of us. This is NO different than his dying from another illness such as cancer.

 

I ask that all of us who have or care about someone with a mental health disorder pass on the information that suicide is not shameful. It’s not a dirty word. It’s the outcome of an illness. Rest in peace Robin. We have been there and some of us make it out and some of us don’t.

If you were already down and you heard this news, remember the mantra..  Mental health disorders are illnesses. We can get help. Reach out to someone right now if you need help. His death is not a sign that we need to be more depressed. It’s a sign that we need to get help if we are depressed.

I will now follow my own advice and turn off the internet and take care of myself.

Julie

PS: You can read more thoughts and comments on my Facebook Page at Julie A. Fast.

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