The Shock Heard Around the World

August 12, 2014 at 11:29 AM · Filed under Life, Mental Health and tagged: Addiction, ADHD, Best Friend, Bipolar, Depression, Doctor, Family, Help, Hoax, Humor, Jack in the Box, Joke, Medication, Mental Health, Mental Health Hospital, Mental Health Issues, Pastor, President Obama, Real, Robin Williams, Selfish, Stigma, Suicidal Thoughts, Support Group, Susan Schneider

Please no matter what your opinion is about suicide, I am asking that you please have some respect for Robin Williams’ family and friends. A person has taken his life and in order for a person to do that we can’t possible understand the pain and suffering that he was going through at that moment and what those that are left behind are feeling and dealing with. 

Yesterday Jack in the Box wanted to know if the Robin Williams thing was a hoax. I had no idea what he was talking about so started to look. Saw lots of hoaxes online from 2012, 2013, and then saw a new article from 8-11-14 and realized it was no hoax.

Words can not express how this made me feel. I never got to met him but I looked up to him as a person. He was bipolar and he was ADHD and he had made a life for himself. He was funny and I often wondered what was hiding behind his humor; because I do that as well.

I have seen many things. Some calling this act selfish. Some expressing how sorry they are for his family. Some recalling what he meant to them.

The statement from his wife, Susan Schneider:

“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”

 

The statement from President Obama about Robin Williams passing:
“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien — but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most — from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”

 

The statement from his manager, David Steinberg:

“Nobody made the world laugh like Robin Williams. My brother, my friend, my soulmate, I will miss you.”

 

 

Depression is real. Depression is scary. It is hard for those who have not suffered from a mental health issue to really understand those depths of despair.

Robin was getting help. Sometimes help isn’t enough. But that does not mean don’t seek it out.

But I still am encouraging anyone who is suffering from any mental health issues to seek out help. Find someone to talk to. Talk to your doctor and try to get on medication. Go seek out a pastor, best friend or support group.

Mental health is real. Mental health does not get enough attention in our country. Mental health isn’t treated the same with health insurance companies. Mental health carries a stigma. Mental health is pushed aside. Mental health is made a joke. Mental health has different degrees of severity. Mental health needs to be seriously addressed and changed so that access is easier for those who need it.

I am bipolar. I am on medication. I have been addicted to self-medicating. I have avoided help. I have sought help out. I have taken meds and stopped because I was “better”. I have been in a mental health hospital for both mania and depression/suicidal thoughts. I was a typical bipolar person until about 9 years ago.

I am praying for each person who was touched by his life! Not only did he have a family and friends, he did touch the world with his movies and his giving and doing. He was a one of a kind, unique person, and he was real. He had struggles and he was willing to admit them.

Please if you are suffering in any way from depression, addiction, mania or any mental health issue; seek out help.

Comments