The sheriffs Coroner Division suspects [Robin Williams] death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made, according to a press release. How awful for he and his family and friends. My heart goes out... Leland Hermit: Im no expert on suicide, but its worth remembering that celebrity suicides can sometimes be contagious, inspiring others to attempt the same. In the month following Marilyn Monroes suicide, 200 more suicides than average were reported. I bring all this up just to encourage us all to be watchful for one another, and to remind us all that its okay to ask for help, even when life seems most difficult. Even a hermit in the middle of nowhere cares whether you live or die. I lost two very dear friends - one a soulmate - to suicide. I understand why they made their decisions - and it takes more courage than most realize to do what they did - and i know from experience that when youre in that mindspace, you are so surrounded in the cloud and fog of depression you really do think the world will be a better place without you in it. And that youd be doing everyone a favor by leaving it. its not true, but the condition is such that you cannot see through or around the fog. And for those left behind, there is no bigger hole ripped in ones life. I vacillate between understanding, sadness, empathy - and anger that the friendship - and possibly more - was taken away before there was a chance to grow it. Thats selfishness on my part. You also never stop second-guessing what you might have done or seen or could have done to prevent it. I miss them still. Lynn Flewelling: Ive already heard a number of people ask how someone as beloved as Robin Williams could be so depressed that hed take his own life. It doesnt work that way. There is depression in my family. I suffer with it. I have studied it and work with clients who suffer from it. No amount well meaning unskilled support can cure Major Depressive Disorder, anymore than a hundred hugs can cure cancer. Depression isnt rational, any more than cancer is rational. Its a disorder that can cut the legs out from under you when things couldnt be better in your outer life. In fact, when youre clinically depressed and people who mean well say to you things like But we LOVE you! You have so much to live for. Look how successful you are. I wish I had your life! Maybe you should get more fresh air and exercise you may very well be doing more harm than good. The depressed person does not feel worthy of love, and hearing that you love them may cause cognitive dissonance. Hearing how much they have to live for when all they want to do is escape just adds more pressure and makes them feel less worthy. Successful? Hey, you just havent noticed how much a phony I am. Wish you had my life? I dont think so. As for the fresh air and exercise comment, I can tell you from experience that thats like telling a legless man to dance or a blind woman to point out the North Star in daylight. Many talented people suffer from mental illness. Being successful, rich, beloved and all the rest is no cure. In fact, they can make it worse. And lets take talented out of that equation. Many people, people you know, people you pass on the street, people who wait your table or give you a house loan, many people who lead perfectly ordinary lives live with some form of mental illness or a disorder that you have no idea is going on. Be kind. nbcnews/pop-culture/celebrity/robin-williams-found-dead-63-n178176 For more information, visit suicide.org
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 00:38:34 +0000
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