With the recent and shocking death of Robin Williams, substance abuse, depression and suicide have been public topics of conversation. Raising public awareness about how these are linked will hopefully lead to more people honestly looking at their life and seeking help if they need it. The truth is out there, substance abuse is linked to higher levels of depression, and depression is unquestionably the leading cause of suicide.
Robin Williams tragic death also raises our awareness that an energetic, humorous , successful persona can be a mask for desperate, personal , hidden agony underneath. Few of us will know what Robin Williams personal struggles and battles and inner life was really like. However all of us have our own circle of relationships, perhaps these kind of public tragedies can prompt us to find out how those we have contact with are really doing. And if depression is part of your life right now, please reach out for help. Our brain like any organ in our body can become ill. However when our brain is ill it doesn’t manifest with symptoms such as fever, but with emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression and thought disturbances such as a distorted view of ourselves and our circumstances. Much like an antibiotic helps pneumonia, anti depressants help depression. Research consistently shows that medication and therapy are the most effective treatment for depression
Many bloggers have weighed in today with their thoughts on Robin Williams death and depression. Here are links to some of the best ones I have seen. The first outlines the links between substance abuse and depression. The second by the gifted writer Ann Voskamp discusses how the church views mental illness and depression based on her own experience. The third considers the truth that no matter how outwardly successful a life may appear, without spiritual peace found in Jesus Christ there is no peace.