Most days before I leave the office, I jump on the Internet to check the news ... most days, but not today. Today was super busy and by the time 5:30 rolled around, all I wanted to do was come home and rest my eyes for a while. I had just sat down on the couch to eat dinner when my phone rang and I saw that it was my son Brad. I had barely gotten out the words, "Hey, buddy," when Brad said, "Mom, have you seen the news today?" I told him I hadn't, to which he replied, "Neither did I ... Mom, are you sitting down? You need to sit down ... I have some bad news ... some really bad news." My heart make a quick jump into my throat as I assured Brad I was indeed sitting down and asked him what had happened. His voice cracked with emotion as he said, "Mom ... Robin Williams committed suicide today. I can't believe it, Mom, he committed suicide." As I tried to wrap my mind around Brad's words, my heart screamed, "No, no, no ... that can't be true ... that just can't be true."
As I've read and listened to the news stories about Mr. Williams this evening, it's a painfully personal reminder to me of the beast that is depression. Robin Williams had the life that many people dream of having ... to those of us looking in from the outside, he had everything in the world to live for, and yet today, he took his own life. The death of Mr. Williams proves that depression is no respecter of persons ... it is a monster that knows no boundaries of race or position or sex or creed ... it is a monster that is real, and it is a monster that can strike without warning or reason ... it is a monster that must be recognized and revealed.
I've said it many, many times in my posts, friends ... if someone you love is dealing with depression, step up and step in. Stop worrying that you might make them angry or hurt their feelings or push them over the edge ... step up and step in. One of the commentators on the news this evening said something that really, really struck me. Something we would all do well to do.
"Pay attention. Ask if they are okay. Watch for the signs. And then do something, anything it takes, to help them. Robin Williams was a much loved son, husband and father, and yet, he died alone in the prison of depression, convinced that death was the only way to end his pain."
Rest in peace, Mrs. Doubtfire ... you will be sorely missed ... you will be sorely missed indeed.
Signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
- Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
- Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
- Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
- Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
- Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
- Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
- Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
- Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
No comments:
Post a Comment