If you judge a book simply by its cover you’ll end up living a life of ignorance.
The loss of Robin Williams, a man whose talent never ceased to take his fans by surprise, is a tragedy, and though most could not say they knew him, his suicide sheds a light on those living in the shadows of depression.
Susan Flowers, manager of Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, said that depression is more common than most people think.
The public has seen many of those in the entertainment industry – actors, musicians, writers, painters – self-destruct since as far back as anyone can remember. Robin Williams, however, did not self-destruct; he was a man who had to deal with an ailment most have trouble even identifying, let alone understanding.
Williams made us laugh, cry, think, and, at least when in the public eye, never dropped out of character…he was constantly trying to make people laugh.
This is why his suicide is such a shock. And why the loss of anyone suffering with depression is such a shock…for the most part, we never see it coming.
Flowers said some of the telltale signs that someone is dealing with depression are mood swings, a lack of energy, intense sadness, withdrawal, lack of appetite and other symptoms that get in the way of normal activities. They often feel sad, irritable or angry for long periods of time and have thought of death or suicide.
“If someone expresses these feelings to you, it is important to listen, not judge them and find help,” said Flowers.
In Canada, approximately 3,500 commit suicide each year, and in the U.S., around 39,000.
The Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre, located in the HomeStead building is a where people can go in Cochrane to get help dealing with depression. Therapy services are available through Alberta Health Services with Cochrane Addiction and Mental Health, located in the Cochrane Community Health Centre.
Depression does not discriminate against those with money or a superb family life; it affects people from all walks of life. And though Williams’ death was tragic, we need to learn from it. We need to learn that depression is real and that there are places to go for help.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Top Gun director Tony Scott, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain…the list goes on. Did they deal with drug and/or alcohol addiction? Many of them, yes, but why do most people turn to drugs and alcohol? To help numb the issues they are dealing with. It’s a vicious cycle.
When it comes to depression there is often no obvious ‘victim’ like there are in other circumstances, such as domestic abuse, crime against persons, or a death by accident, like a vehicular collision. The ‘victim’ often conceals their pain until it’s too late.
“Please avoid the stigma that many people place on mental health issues and find help,” said Flowers. “This is not about just having a bad day. It can be a serious health issue which needs treatment.”
Robin Williams will be missed, but no more so than the next person who loses their battle with depression.
Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre: 403-851-2250
Cochrane Community Health Centre: 403-851-6100
Calgary Distress Centre (24-hour service): 403-266-1605
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Alberta Health Link: 1-866-408-5465
