Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Part 2: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman Robin Williams


(Photo I took a few years ago of the rooftop of Le Chateau, a clothing store)

According to Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta (http://alberta.cmha.ca/mental_health/statistics/#.U_l5yaNGiQE), the number I guessed, that one out of five people suffer from some sort of a mental illness is correct. See more details on the link if you are interested.

To disambiguate the term ‘mental illnes’: “Mental illness is the term used to refer to a variety of mental disorders that can be diagnosed. Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alternations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.” (CMHA Canada, http://www.cmha.ca/media/frequently-asked-questions/#.U_l6OaNGiQE.)

Here are some plain and easy-to-read facts and information about mental illness and some interesting statistics: http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#.U_l7GqNGiQE.

I’m surprised I didn’t become a psych(iatric) nurse for several reasons, one of which I will refer to in Part 3 of this series. My first full-time job was working as a Medical Secretary for The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry in the Biopsychology department and The Human Brain Laboratory – no kidding, this is true – though the two head doctors I worked for did not see patients as they were both research scientists. Next door was the Addiction Research Foundation; it has changed names over the years.

What I want to elucidate is the fact that mental illness/depression/concurrent disorders is a real issue that should be dealt with and not swept under the carpet. Dealt with not necessarily with medication or medication only – did you know most act as a placebo and/or do not work for a number of clients? – but spoken about outrightly in society as we would Robin Williams’s death or better yet, the weather for that matter. An everyday occurrence, not with a matter-of-fact tone perhaps, but with openness and honesty, with genuine compassion and empathy.

Robin starred in the movie, Dead Poet’s Society where a student commits suicide. In Awakenings, Robin’s role is on in which he discovers that a drug is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, something which excites him. This seems rather ironic in that Robin "suffered" from both.

Further irony is fueled due to the name of the song and implied suicide scene is Bobby McFerrin’s popular video of his famous a capella hit song in 1988, "Don’t Worry, Be Happy" in which Robin Williams appears as several happy characters a number of times:



I’m curious, if Western society (not sure about the rest of the world) were more comfortable in speaking more publicly about death and suicide, could we, would we avoid or rather prevent suicidal deaths from occurring?

What do you think?

17 comments:

  1. I think we could to a degree. I think because it is still considered so taboo, a lot of people miss out on the opportunity to receive the support and education they need.

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    1. You're probably right about that Gabby 'cause so far you are the only one who posted a reply, similar to the one comment (which I made) on my blog posting entitled "Taboo Topic: Part 2 - Who are You(th) ... to be Alive?! " - http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/02/taboo-topic-part-2-who-are-youth-to-be.html - that's very telling, don't you think? (Feb. 23, 2014) and the one previous to that entitled, "Taboo Topic: Who am I … to be Alive?!" with no comments. It indicates to me how society in general fears death and talking openly about anything related to it. ;)

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  2. I've got a feeling that if we spoke about suicide in front of mentally disturbed people, they would consider it more. I lived with a depressed, bipolar husband for 27 years. Nothing I did could help him. As to speaking about death, I think that's healthy. My husband and I often talk about our approaching event. It helps and gives comfort. After all, death comes for everyone.

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    1. That's an interesting question/dilemma you write of Francene. Would it exacerbate the desire for someone to commit suicide? Hmmm.... That must have been quite a challenge for you regarding your husband if your desire is to help him. And speaking about death is healthy for sure. Thanks for your comments! :) <3

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  3. It's a shame the subject is still a taboo one. Unfortunately, not many people treat it as serious as it is. I remember a friend admitting that she was suffering from depression. Another friend couldn't help but comment about how "she was a little sad." Society's view has really clouded the severity of the mental illness.

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    1. Yes for sure Lexi and I believe it's because generally speaking we don't know how to be around people who have a mental illness. How often do we say "I'm fine" when we aren't or downplay our emotions, especially sadness and anger to appease others? It is a societal expectation to be happy all the time, yet we are human we have a gamut of emotions for a reason, don't you think?

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  4. Often people don't know how to respond to someone who is severely depressed. It can be scary and overwhelming. Educating yourself on the subject is helpful and most cities have a Mental Health Agency they can call.

    Although I am transitioning to full time as an Intuitive Success Coach, I still practice part time as a licensed mental health and chemical dependency counselor. It is important to understand at what point you need to call the authorities to help someone who is having a major depressive episode. If you know when to call for help ahead of time, it will make a big difference. Often people are afraid to have a loved one sent to a mental ward because they think they will not be able to leave, but in almost all cases, it is voluntary. Having a loved one get stabilized on medication and learn basic tools can be helpful.

    There are also many great books for support. You can google about DBT.

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    1. That's exactly what I was saying above to Lexi's comment Candess...just read yours now. I think education is key and attending seminars and the like, even "befriending" people to whatever degree can help. I'm curious what DBT is so will look that up. Thanks for the tip! I'm glad you are still practicing part-time on the issue of concurrent disorders as it is SO prevalent in society. :) <3

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  5. Elly, talking about depression and suicidal feelings is even more of a taboo in India than it is in the West. Often the families of suicide victims 'collaborate' with the police to cover up the cause of death, making it out to be an illness. I am convinced the more we talk, and share and give information on resources, the less suicides there will be.

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    1. I didn't realize that Corinne, that's such a shame. :( I think it's healthy to talk about it as you say, and as I like to say, good for the suicidal person to "talk things out" so there may be less of a tendency to act on their suicidal ideations. Thanks for sharing! :) <3

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  7. Hi Elly, Depression is a big stigma in India. And suicide is a taboo. People hesitate to buy or even rent properties if a suicide was reported there in the past. So also ppl shudder from marrying into families with such a history.

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    1. Yes Nisha, you confirmed what Corinne Rodrigues mentioned above regarding depression and suicide in India. I find that interesting and yet in a way not surprising, at least about suicide. I'm curious though, do you think it's more directly related to fear or indirectly related as in superstition?

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  8. You are right, Elly... We as friends, relatives, sufferers and society should come out of our inhibitions and fears, and speak of such matters, discuss and work towards a solution. We have to treat them as equals, not retards.

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    1. In an ideal world, yes for sure! And concerning treating 'sufferers' as "equals, not retards" as you say, I concur as well. You may appreciate Part 3...

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  9. Too many families suffer when a family member is depressed or otherwise mentally ill. The same friends and family that would rally around the sick person if he or her had cancer and support the family run like heck or think the sick family member should be able to cure themselves. There is no feeling like feeling you are in a situation by yourself, where no one cares. Alana

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    1. Yes, for sure depression and mental illness can affect family and friends too, not only the person who suffers from it. And ideally supported by those who know and love them most. <3

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