Let’s turn the Darkness of Depression to Light as we Remember Robin Williams

Posted in 2012 Summer Olympics, Mental Health Add comments

As our hearts go out to Robin Williams and his family, Dr Drew Pinsky tells CNN and also reminds us that addiction and depression co-exist. It is a brain disorder and “so often we are helpless over these addictions.”

We Cannot Sit Along the Sidelines as we are All Impacted!

According to the World Health Organization “Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression.” This is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about depression and mental illness because regardless of whether or not we are personally suffering from mental health disorders and/or addiction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states an “estimated 1 in 10 U.S. adults report depression.” In other words, even if we are lucky enough not to suffer from depression it is more than likely that we all know and love someone with depression. Moreover, we may be able to help even in some small way.

“You always have a little fear, you just have to keep up with it day by day.” Robin Williams on depression and sobriety on Larry King Live.

Depression does not Discriminate - The reality is that depression could strike any of us at any time. As with the case of Robin Williams, just because you may be a highly accomplished, acclaimed and successful actor, singer, athlete, executive does not mean there will be a time without depression.

Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin made it to the moon and back but nevertheless suffered through depression and went on to serve as chairman of the National Mental Health Association. Acclaimed actress Ashley Judd is candid in her autobiography, All That Is Bitter & Sweet that she considered suicide as a Sixth Grader and suffered with depression as an adult. Actor and funny man Jim Carrey once told 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft about being on medication “Prozac’ for depression. Even talented Harry Potter author, J K Rowling openly discussed her experiences with suicidal depression. She has served a speaker on the subject and once told a student journalist “I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. What’s to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that.” Singer sensation and actress Demi Lovato is also open up about depression, having suicidal thoughts, drug abuse and rehab and strives to serve as a role model helping and inspiring others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve0iEuF7OkQ.

We’re Only Human

Depression can strike us all

Learn about it

Talk about it

Ask Questions.

It’s ok to ask for help

You can get help and treatment

You can help someone get treatment

There is treatment available and it can make a difference

Be compassionate

Depression is not a sign of weakness

Learn about it
“Almost 7% of the U.S. population is diagnosed with depression.” Per the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation