Thursday will be one month since Robin Williams killed himself. Some of his battles over the years happened in the public eye, but the shock and surprise at his suicide shows the true iceberg effect of depression, bi-polar, and other related mental illnesses that it is speculated that he had. No one can know what that last straw was for him.
This is a struggle that countless people combat in their daily lives and for many it is hard to know from day to day what will work and what will not, including things that have worked in the past as a positive coping tool. Another issue that becomes problematic is that far too often we ignore mental illness in favor of physical illness because mental struggles are less obvious and we’re expected to hide them as if it’s a character flaw rather than a genuine illness. It’s no wonder that it is often called the invisible illness. For those of us spending part of our days faking it, it can often take all we have to get through one hour of one day.
One of the ways we can show support for those in the throes of mental health issues is to be vocal in our support; let the people around us know that we are here no matter what. A general statement and/or attitude can take the pressure off of those who can’t get through, who feel alone, who aren’t ready to come out as suicidal or in need of help.
If they know instinctively that we are here for them, they may feel comfortable enough to ask for that help. Or maybe just to talk.
You will never know what you had done that will change someone’s mind about suicide, but I guarantee that they will remember it and they will appreciate it and if you unwittingly give someone an extra day to find their way, this is a good thing.
This week is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. Awareness for those who are not suicidal to know the signs and the resources available; to know what to say and how to show support to someone who needs it, but may not realize how close they are to the precipice until it’s too late.
Awareness is also for the suicidal, those at the very edge to learn that they are not alone, never alone and where they can go for help when they’re ready; even a simple phone conversation to alleviate the pressure.
I’d like to take a moment to mention LGBT youth. These kids are at higher risk for abuse and suicide as well as homelessness and assault. This is especially true of trans youth. Being young, it is often not realized that their problems seem gigantic in comparison and they do not feel that this will go away or that these feelings are only temporary. We need to be there to encourage them and stand by them in whatever capacity that they want us to.
The Trevor Project specializes in helping LGBT youth and is an amazing resource for others who want to support those kids and teenagers.
They can be reached toll-free at 1-866-488-7386 or online at thetrevorproject.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK or suicidepreventionlifeline.org
For people feeling that suicide is their only way out, here are a couple of other resources to assist you:
IMAlive.org – an online crisis network with trained volunteers available to chat 24/7
SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends): 800-DONT-CUT (366-8288) – informational hotline, educational resources, and advice about intervention.
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Griffins and Ginger Snaps 