The next day to week we are going to see a lot about Robin Williams. A lot will be said, tears will be shed and then in about 10 days America and the world will move on as some pop star gets married or rapper gets in a fight and we will forget all about it till Mrs. Doubtifer comes on ABC Family... My heart grieves on so many levels. Yes I grieve because I will never again see a new movie starring a man I grew up with an idol. But more than that, I grieve because this great man who the world couldn't see having to live with out, couldn't see living in this world anymore. He was loved and respected by more people then he could ever know or meet, yet he chose to end his life because, in most cases of depression, he no longer loved and respected himself.
Some will accuse him or being selfish for his actions. He's not. Some will say he could have fought the urge. I assure you he did, I can nearly guarantee you more times then anyone will ever know. Some will say he should have gotten help. And some will say he didn't know Jesus and that why he wasn't happy and chose to do what he did. Well, as a person who has previously suffered from depression I can tell you sometimes seeking help doesn't work. And to assume that someone doesn't know Christ because they were depressed to this point is simply ignorant. I will not sugar coat that. One's happiness level does not directly correlate with their relationship with God as a Christian I can attest to that.
If you have never suffered with depression it is highly unlikely you will understand what it is like. The best analogy I can give is from The Dark Knight Rises. Its akin to when Bruce Wayne is throne into the pit by Bane. He can see the light as he lays there broken and unable to move. Slowly he regains his strength and identity and then he eventually tries to climb the wall. He fails at first but eventually he makes it out. Hes the lucky one for most don't.
Depression is like that. You can see the light. You some what remember what it is like to be happy to enjoy the little things in life. Yet you can't reach it and the memory of happiness torments you like the light tormented those men in the dungeon. For a while you feel the inability to better your
situation you see no way of ever getting out of the despair you are in. Eventually some like Mr. Wayne climb out of that dark hole where they felt so
broken, but others like our dear Robin Williams never do. They die in the
dungeon of despair.
The statistics are staggering for those who suffer from
depression. Chances are you know someone suffering right now. Don’t wait till
you are saying “Rest in Peace” .... reach out and love them. It may be someone you
least expect. The few people I have shared this with until now all had the same
reaction “I would have never guessed”. There should be no stereotype, anyone from that kind southern Grandma in your church to that sweet 4.0 cheerleader can be suffering with depression and a loss of self worth.
By the grace of God I was a “Bruce Wayne” I found a way out
but so many don’t. They aren't selfish for ending their life, they were
brokenhearted individuals who were tired of having a broken heart.
“RIP” is an easy way to show your respect to a Great Man… but I challenge you to do one more. Reach out to people. Be loving and be a light in their life. Help pull them out of their hole. Be a ledge for them to grab onto as they try to pull themselves up. Depression is not something someone can control and just "snap out of" but a little joy and compassion from others can go a long way. Those who suffer from depression need to feel accepted for who they are and that's even with their mental health problem. It is a HEALTH problem that must be treated as such.You wouldn't expect a man with diabetes to just get over his glucose problem because you don't understand it. If you saw him in shock due to his glucose levels you wouldn't just say "man he really should have gotten that under control before it got that bad." You would help him. So please, Share some joy as Robin Williams spent his life doing, that’s a true way to honor a great man like him who spent his life trying to bring a smile to others.
“RIP” is an easy way to show your respect to a Great Man… but I challenge you to do one more. Reach out to people. Be loving and be a light in their life. Help pull them out of their hole. Be a ledge for them to grab onto as they try to pull themselves up. Depression is not something someone can control and just "snap out of" but a little joy and compassion from others can go a long way. Those who suffer from depression need to feel accepted for who they are and that's even with their mental health problem. It is a HEALTH problem that must be treated as such.You wouldn't expect a man with diabetes to just get over his glucose problem because you don't understand it. If you saw him in shock due to his glucose levels you wouldn't just say "man he really should have gotten that under control before it got that bad." You would help him. So please, Share some joy as Robin Williams spent his life doing, that’s a true way to honor a great man like him who spent his life trying to bring a smile to others.
Very well said.......
ReplyDelete