Many of you may not know this, but I'm a survivor of suicide. Robin Williams passing affected me very deeply - as does any suicide I hear of. My husband took his life in 2009. It is a loss I grieve every day.
People desperately want to know - WHY? That is the big unanswered question. Believe me, I have asked myself that a million times. Were we struggling financially? Yes - but then why don't more homeless people do it? Did we have issues in our marriage? Yes. But people get divorced all the time and don't do it. Did my husband have a lot to live for? HELL YES. For me, there would be never a good reason. But for the person living in the dark world of depression - suicide is the only relief from a life of pain.
The saddest thing about depression and suicide is the person living in that darkness is unable to see the lives they touch and the people that love them so deeply. So, I ask you, don't judge. It has taken me a long time to come around to the belief that suicide is not a selfish act, but is much like death from any other illness such as cancer or heart disease. I hope out of this comes some good. Awareness is key.
As for myself, I have come out on the other side. And, for survivors, there is life on the other side. Living through that experience has taught me not to take life for granted. I experience joy on a completely different level, I love deeper, and don't sweat the small stuff. My daughter tells me "it will all be ok in the end. If it's not ok, it's not the end."
If you or someone you know suffers from suicidal thoughts or severe depression, I URGE you to get some help. 1-800-273-8255 is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
I pray Robin Williams has found the relief and peace he was seeking.
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