Comedy legend Robin Williams is dead at age 64. News reports are confirming that he committed suicide, and it's a sad day for Williams' family, friends, and anyone who has lost a loved one to news like this in the past.
It's too soon to speculate on why this would have happened, and that's not our place to do. We just want to bring to light some things that we should be aware of as men.
First off, let's be honest, as guys we hate to admit when we are wrong, ask for help of any kind, or even ask for directions. We would rather be the "tough guy" and deal with it on our own, since we think that we can deal with anything and fix everything. When we can't, we are too ashamed to say so.
"3" - 3 is the number of times I have heard the news that someone I know had taken their own life. There are the typical reasons; home life, money, love life, and more. The reality is that most of us have been touched by suicide. Maybe it was a friend, family member, or a person in your school or down the street. In some cases we may have even thought "I didn't know, I didn't think anything was wrong". You are right too, sometimes the signs are so well hidden until it's too late.
If you feel any depression and can't seem to find that thing to make you happy; music, friends, hobbies, exercise, or whatever it is for you. If nothing ever seems to help, tell someone, and talk to someone. The hardest part of being a man is admitting when you are hurt, you are down, and you need help. Just ask! If you are still too ashamed to talk to family or friends, contact one of the groups listed below, they are there to help.
Before your make that decision you can't take back, remember the people you may have lost to suicide, remember what you felt, and what you saw their families go through. Ask yourself "do you want that for your family, your wife, your children, your friends?" What you saw doesn't go away after a few days, weeks, or years. That feeling is there for life. Maybe it won't be as strong every day, but holidays and birthdays, they never forget.
What ever it is, it can be fixed, you will feel better. Just reach out and ask how. We have included two resources below:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - suicidepreventionlifeline.org - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Local Suicide Hotlines by State - suicide.org
Rest in peace, Robin Williams. And for those of you struggling with depression just remember; where there is life, there is hope.
