Mental Illness Can Be Terminal

[Sylvarose]

Like many I was stunned to hear about the unexpected death of Robin Williams. I grew up watching him and being entertained by his humor. I remember his first appearance on Happy Days and his roles in Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, etc...

However, I didn't think about his career when I heard about his death. As soon as I heard the statement from his publicist and how Mr. Williams had been suffering with depression, all I could think of that we lost this great comedian because his mental illness was terminal.

I do not say that lightly. I say that as someone who has a mental illness. I say that as someone who has been deeply depressed and suicidal and least two times in my life. I may not even be here today except for a friend who drove two and half hours in the middle of the night to come stay with me to make sure I wasn't alone.

Odds are you know or related to someone with a mental illness. Some maybe open about their diagnosis. Some may not be. There is still so much stigma and misinformation about mental illness many do not share their diagnosis.

....

If someone you know has a mental illness, be there for them. Understand that it is an illness. It can be managed. They can have a 'normal' life but like a diabetic they live with that illness everyday. They have to manage it everyday. Some days are better than others.

If you have a mental illness and this is one of those bad days, please, remember you are NOT alone. Please reach out for help.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

http://butt-kickingwomen.blogspot.com/2014/08/mental-illness-can-be-terminal.html

[lovemydog]

1. Yes indeed Sylvarose.

Welcome to Democratic Underground.

I've posted a bunch on other threads here about this topic. I'm sorry I don't have more to say about it now. It's all pretty exhausting.

Thanks for sharing here. Have a wonderful day.

[Sylvarose]

2. Your welcome...

...and it's a rough day for folks who enjoyed Robin Williams as well those managing mental illness.

[meow2u3]

3. Major Depression is potentially a killer disease

and should be treated that way, just like killer diseases of the rest of the body.

It's high time we stop treating depressed people and people struggling with mental maladies like lepers by ostracizing them as if they chose to be mentally ill and instead, start employing compassion and understand that mental illness is imposed on them--for once in society's misbegotten life.

[Sylvarose]

4. Absolutely...

It's not illness and should be treated like one instead of a character flaw.