Seek Help – Suicide is Never the Answer
Posted on: August 30th, 2014
People all over the world were saddened by the tragic news of Robin Williams’ suicide. He was one of those rare talents that doesn’t come along often, equally gifted in comedy and dramatic acting. Upon hearing the news many of us were understandably confused. Seemingly, he was a man who had it all: a loving family, fame and fortune. So then, why?
As the news reports continued we all learned the “why.” Robin Williams had serious issues throughout much of his life. There were periods of substance abuse, rehabilitation and relapse. There were serious setbacks many of us experience – divorce and the diagnosis of a chronic disease. And underpinning it all was depression.
The only silver lining stemming from his untimely passing is that it draws attention to something that touches all our lives – the issue of mental health. Let me be clear. I did not know Mr. Williams or the underlying reasons for his depression, but the act of suicide speaks volumes. Those that take their own lives are in a state of extreme hopelessness and acute pain and are often incapable of seeing any path back to wellness.
There is an abundance of research linking suicide and depression. According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) “Among people who die by suicide, depression is more common than any other other disorder.” The AFSP also cites findings that “certain symptoms in the context of depression raise the risk of suicide. These include intense anxiety, panic attacks, desperation, hopelessness, feeling that one is a burden, loss of interest and pleasure, and delusional thinking.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression and having suicidal thoughts, there are treatments that can bring relief. Please take action immediately and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Leave a Reply