As I wrap up my first Back to School Night at my new school after a weekend full of putting a classroom together, I have many things I would love to blog about tonight. With all of these fascinating events happening in my career and life right now, there is a topic that is weighing heavily on my mind.
I write to you tonight simply heartbroken because today we lost not only a beloved actor and comedian but a father, a son, a husband, and a friend. Words cannot express my condolences and sympathy I feel for the loved ones of Robin Williams. I am honestly shocked at how much heartache I feel for a person I have never met. Maybe it is because I have lost a loved one to depression and suicide. Or perhaps it is because Robin Williams is one of the first actors I can remember watching as a young child (Mrs. Doubtfire was one of my all-time childhood favorites). Regardless of the reason, it does not change the way that many feel about this and it does not change the facts regarding his cause of death.
As I heard the news of Robin Williams tonight, my Twitter and Facebook feeds were filled with ignorant statuses, condolence messages for his family, and friends living out their day to day lives as if each day was a guarantee. What many do not realize is that depression is an illness and much too often suicide is an effect of that illness. It is not something that an individual can control, nor is it a person's way of "giving up." The reality is that depression effects one in ten Americans a day and more than 80% of people who have symptoms of clinical depression are not receiving treatment.
I want to encourage you to become aware of the symptoms of depression. Know the signs! These can be completely different depending on if you are a man or a woman and vary from person to person. Just like with a pregnancy, each person who experiences depression experiences it with different symptoms and for different reasons. Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance is an excellent resource.
Next, if you know someone that is battling depression or just doesn't seem to be themselves, talk to them. This can be one of the most difficult things to do because we all get so wrapped up in our own lives. If you know a loved one who is struggling, reach out. Take them to dinner or out for coffee. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to or friend to show that they care.
If your loved one's symptoms do not seem to improve, please assist them with getting help. Make the doctor's appointment for them, drive them to their appointment. Do everything in your power to help your loved one get the support and medical attention that they need. Up to 80% of people who are treated for depression show significant improvement within four to six weeks.
Finally, do not blame your loved one for their illness. Depression is a chemical imbalance and a serious illness. No matter how hard it gets, remember that this is not your loved one's fault. If you lose your loved one, do not blame them for giving up on life or for being selfish. The reality is that that person had all that they could possibly take. People who commit suicide are at a low that most of us cannot even begin to understand nor imagine. Suicide can be an individual's peace that they have been searching for for far too long.
I want to apologize for this post being so morbid. This is a topic that means an awful lot to me and I believe that depression and suicide awareness is something that we do not promote enough in our society.
I want to encourage you to find your own peace in life. Find your joy. Maybe your joy is a loved one, your love of art, or the career that you have chosen for yourself. Whatever it may be, I ask that you find it , grab ahold of it, and never let it go. Let this joy be the one thing that you hold onto even in your darkest days. Let this joy be your continuous hope for a brighter tomorrow. Let this joy be the one thing that makes your life worth living.
May each day be brighter than the one before.
Mary
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