Depression doesn't discriminate.

Unless you've been living under a rock the past 24 hours you know by now that Robin Williams took his life yesterday. I have to admit, I am disappointed with the media. There is no good reason to report how Robin Williams took his life. Providing details of the how hurts the surviving family and friends who don't need to hear the details of how over and over again. The how also can be a trigger to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. It can also be a trigger for those who may be having suicidal thoughts. Their minds are already vulnerable. Hearing how someone took their life may be enough of a trigger for them to follow through with their suicidal thoughts. I also found it disappointing that media didn't take the opportunity to include resources for suicide prevention in their stories. It was a platform to help those who might need it and the media failed to take advantage of the opportunity. I posted on some of the news sites to please report responsibly when reporting about suicide. My post probably fell to deaf ears but I had to try. If we can't help someone, at least don't hurt them! I felt like the news didn't do anything to help and only led to the possibility of hurting people.

It wasn't a secret that Williams struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, going to rehab more than once. What most of us probably didn't know was that Robin Williams was struggling with depression. That's the problem with depression, it doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care if you are rich, poor, successful, young or old, anyone is susceptible to depression. It often leads to isolation. And trust me, when you isolate you are much less likely to ask for help! Been there, done that... Robin Williams used humor to bring others happiness. I am willing to bet he used humor as a coping mechanism. And why not? Laughter is good for the soul! But sometimes those who smile the brightest are hurting the most. They just learn how to mask it better than the rest of us.  

When we reach the point we can't cope with our depression something has to give. Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain.

If you are suicidal please hang on and ask for help. There are resources out there to help you! You can survive suicidal feelings if you do either of 2 things: 1) find a way to reduce your pain or 2) find a way to increase your coping resources. Both are possible!

Here are 5 things to think about if you are feeling suicidal:

1. You need to know that people do get through this - even people who feel as badly as you are feeling right now. 
2. Give yourself some distance. Say to yourself, "I will wait 24 hours before I do anything." Remember that feelings and actions are 2 different things - just because you feel like taking your life, doesn't mean that you have to actually do it right this minute. Put some distance between your suicidal feelings and suicidal action. 
3. People often turn to suicide because they are seeking relief from pain. Remember that relief is a feeling. And you have to be alive to feel it. You will not feel the relief you so desperately seek if you are dead. I know that sounds harsh but it's true. 
4. Some people will react badly to your suicidal feelings, either because they are frightened or angry. But there are people out there who can help you in this horrible time, and will not judge you or argue with you or send you to a hospital or try to talk you out of how badly you feel. They will simply care for you. Find one of these people. Use your 24 hours and tell someone what's going on with you. It is ok to not be ok. It's also ok to ask for help! Don't give yourself the additional burden of trying to cope alone. Just talking about how you got to where you are releases an awful lot of the pressure and it might be just the additional coping resource you need to regain your balance.
5. Suicidal feelings are, in and of themselves, traumatic. After they subside, you need to continue caring for yourself. There are many positive coping mechanisms such as therapy, self help groups, books, forums on the internet, etc.

If you are struggling, please reach out to someone...a friend, family member, teacher, pastor, coworker...anyone! People really do want to help! It's hard sometimes to talk to family or friends when you are hurting and need help. There are resources available such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call them at 1-800-273-8255. You can remain anonymous. They are there to listen and help. You do not need to be suicidal to call. They also have a chat feature if you prefer that instead of calling. Visit them online at: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.  If you are struggling and need to talk, they are there to listen and to help you with resources. Help is available!  

Robin Williams will be remembered for his many roles on and off screen. He brought smiles to many. Let's remember Robin Williams for how he lived rather than how he died. But please use his death as a reminder that people do hurt and do need help. Reach out to someone today. You might be the only one who does. It could very well save their life!

"No Matter What People Tell You, Words and Ideas Can Change the World." - Robin Williams.

RIP Robin Williams