Robin Williams’ death sparks global group therapy – and it’s AWESOME

Written: August 2014

Robin Williams (1951 – 2014)

 

Earlier this week, we learned about Robin Williams’ untimely death, apparently by his own hand. Immediately, a number radio and television talk show hosts (national and local), as well as a few “high-profile” people, took to the airwaves and social media to criticize Robin for taking his own life, throwing around words like “selfish,” “thoughtless” and “coward.” One Seattle-area talk show host even said that he could understand someone committing suicide because he/she had no access to mental health care or treatment, but couldn’t understand how someone like Robin Williams, who could afford to pay for treatment, would resort to suicide instead. (Note: this is not a direct quote, but pretty close).

Meanwhile, others  rushed onto social media to express shock and sadness over the news, and to share their favorite memories of Robin, along with which of his many film roles resonated most strongly with them. They also shared their own struggles with depression or experiences with friends and loved ones they had lost to suicide. Some posts were extremely brief – a line or two. Others were long enough to be considered blog posts.

What happened next is astounding.

People who shared their struggles and experiences found response after response from others who had faced similar struggles and experiences; or words of encouragement from those who have never known the suffocating pull of depression. Some responded by sharing their favorite uplifting quotes, or a simple gesture, like the word “Hugs” or a heart symbol (<3). 

But they responded.

Since Monday, Facebook has been one global “group therapy session.” People have been surprised to learn some of their most successful colleagues and  friends have faced demons ranging from addiction to depression to failed suicide attempts. They’ve learned some of the personalities, artists and musicians they respect most have lived with the heartache of losing a loved one. However, everyone who shared a painful secret learned one important thing:

THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

Below, I’ve re-posted some of the most touching status updates and posts from this week (with the posters’ permission).  If something resonates with you, please feel free to share it. If you feel like joining this conversation, please use the “comments” section below.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS HURTING AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO, CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 800-273-8255. 

No matter how much you’re hurting, please know this:

• You are loved and needed by someone, whether you realize it or not.
• You are surrounded by others who may not have walked in your shoes, but want to hear your story and find ways to help you regain your footing.
• And most importantly:  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

A few Facebook posts that generated much conversation and incredible sharing:

Jon Horton:

So we have come to a time in our society where suddenly everyone is talking about mental health issues. It took someone we universally love, to become the victim, before the public at large, takes notice.

Look at your Facebook feed. Yes that one that defaults to the Top Stories instead of the one you really want to see. Post after post has a picture or scene or quote from Robin Williams. Many people are screaming for people to acknowledge that Mental Health is to be taken seriously.

For some of us, it’s a daily reality. Whether it is depression, or bi-polar, or anger, or anxiety, or pondering ending the pain like Robin did.