I'm sure by know you have all heard of Robin Williams tragic passing. I think one of the reasons it was received as such a shock was because no one ever pictured someone so goofy and full of laughter to be battling with such an ugly and invisible disease. Events such as these make you wonder if you truly know someone and what they are going through just by what they personify. I know this story all too well.
I don't think it's easy for us to picture depression, or any other type of mental illness, as just that- an illness. It's not always something you can actually see in a person. Someone could be all smiles and laughs, act completely normal, but on the inside they are dying. That's what depression does. It slowly kills you without the slightest bit of evidence to show for. Of course there are people who battle these types of issues and it is clear they are going through a tough time. But we have to remember that not everyone is like that. Some are just better at hiding this type of pain, this daily battle.
Whenever these events happen and the media is all over it, everyone sympathizes and reach out to their friends and family, reminding them how much they love and appreciate them - and if there's anything they ever need they are there for them. We even reach out to strangers and remind them to "call this suicide hotline" if you're ever in trouble. This goes on for a few days, maybe a few weeks, and then all is forgotten again. That's just the natural course of things. We are only human after all, and we must move on with our lives.
But the people who battle depression, anxiety, OCD, anorexia, bipolar disorder, drug addictions, the list goes on- they can't move on with their lives. Not always. For many it will be a life long battle with many ups and downs. If you've never experienced anything such as this, you have no idea how strong these individuals are for simply facing each day again and again. They are fighters. Silent ones. But fighters nonetheless. Sadly, not everyone will win the fight.
That's why I think it's so important to take mental illness seriously. Not see it as a weakness, or a change of someone's character. You wouldn't say that about someone who got diagnosed with cancer, would you? They may be different types of diseases, but they still affect us in awful ways. Please, if you know someone whose ever dealt with these types of problems, reach out to them. Not just when things like this happen, but as often as you can. Sometimes people are too proud to seek the help they need. Or they simply have given up.
Most importantly, remember that everyone is facing a battle of their own (whether mental illness or not) and we need to support one another the best we can. Not just today, but every single day. Not just when something bad happens, but all the time, any chance you get.
