Williams, 2013
The world experienced a great loss August 11, 2014 when it learned of Robin William’s untimely death. Social media platforms lit up with expressions of mourning for a man who influenced more than comedy. Robin Williams was a cultural icon. Beloved by all who knew him whether as family or a fan. His smile had a way of reassuring an audience. He held hope and promise and that smile. The world is a sadder place just knowing he isn’t a part of it any more.
Robin came into the American consciousness through the popular TV show, Mork and Mindy. In 1987 he woke us up with Good Morning, Vietnam. William’s performance as Adrian Cornauer won him a Golden Globe and sealed his name as a Hollywood star. He went on to feature in several more powerful films such as Dead Poets Society, (1989) The Fisher King, (1991) Hook, (1991) Toys, (1992) Mrs. Doubtfire, (1993) Good Will Hunting, (1997) What Dreams May Come, (1998) and Bicentennial Man (1999). Of course, he memorably gave Disney’s Genie a voice in Aladdin, also. Robin could make us laugh, he could make us cry, and he could make us think. He will be sorely missed.
Alas, those who most often make us laugh do themselves battle the darkest demons. Williams struggled with drug and alcohol abuse in the ‘70s and ‘80s. His press representative, Mara Buxbaum, reported that Williams was recently fighting severe depression.
We mourn the loss of Robin Williams while remembering his gift of laughter.
The CDC shows that depression plagues nearly 1 out of every 10 adults in the U.S. Roughly 3% of Americans struggle with major depression. Depression immobilizes creativity, is the most prominent reason for disability, and can lead to death when left untreated. Depression is on the rise. Not only in America, but around the world. The World Health Organization states that some 5% of adults are affected by depression, globally.
Depression is a culprit in the majority of the 30,000 annual U.S. suicides. In fact, depression plays a part in more than two out of every three suicides. Depression claims victims from every walk of life and every economic bracket. Sadly, even the most humorous among us are not immune to its grip.
We have a responsibility to one another to live as long as possible. We rely heavily on our networks as social creatures. When someone destroys a link in that network we all feel it. As in a delicate web, vibrations flow through the entire apparatus when one section is damaged or touched. We are connected to friends, parents, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, associates, and acquaintances. Our actions affect those around us whether near or far. When we violate ourselves we damage those around us, as well. Studies concerning Suicide Contagion Theory have found that those who experience suicide in others are more likely to attempt suicide themselves.
The integrity of our society demands the continued integrity of our social networks.
My uncle committed suicide when I was 17. Death by asphyxiation for purposes of pleasure, it seems, but the end result was all the same. Like from a scene in a movie, my uncle’s wife sent their four year old daughter down the stairs to his den. “Go call daddy for dinner,” I can hear my aunt say. But no one ate dinner that night. No one slept, either. My mom woke us all up, but couldn’t find the words to say what happened. My siblings cuddled with her while my mother listened, red eyed, to the voice on the other side of the telephone. I was too old for cuddling. I paced the hallway wanting to know, but fearing the news all at once.
I wasn’t particularly close to my uncle, but he left behind a broken wife, a distraught mother and father, and two fatherless children. They have been affected in ways that will burden their entire lives.
The passing of Robin Williams reminds us all to take a little extra time in the day to show compassion. Actively listen to others in their times of need. Show empathy to family, friends, and those you love. Hold your spouse or partner a little bit longer. Make positive memories. Build one another up. Stress and depression do so much to tear down the human spirit. Let’s buttress the battle over depression.
If you need someone to talk to, but don’t know where to turn call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with someone at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Rest in Peace Mr. Williams. Thank you for every gift you gave us.
