Robin Williams & Mental Health Awareness

I feel compelled to pay homage to Robin Williams out of respect for all the positive things he shared during his life, but in doing so I believe it is also appropriate to shine a light on the importance of mental health awareness.

I’ve been a Robin Williams fan for as long as I can remember and have claimed Good Will Hunting as my favorite film for more than 15 years since its release.  Watching this movie makes me want to be the type of counselor who can connect with someone no matter how insurmountable the barriers seem to be.  Also in my top 5 movies of all time, I would place both Dead Poet’s Society and Patch Adams.  Whether Robin Williams plays a counselor, an educator, or a doctor in training there is something so genuine and inspiring about his characters.  There is a depth he brought to his roles that I personally believe is unrivaled.

In addition to his characters on the big screen, many of us felt like we were able to get to know him through his frequent appearances on the late night talk show circuit.  And while we were told of his battles with depression and addiction, it seemed hard to believe because of the pure laughter and joy that overflowed during these appearances.  The question begs to be asked, ‘What was he experiencing on the inside that most of us were unable to see?’  During this past week as I’ve read countless remembrances of Robin Williams I was struck by a question he once asked of Dick Cavett of the Dick Cavett Show following a performance at a comedy club, “Isn’t it funny how I can bring great happiness to all these people, “ he said.  “But not to myself?”

How many of us bottle things up and put on a brave face while we suffer or struggle inside?  One could argue that this is how many people cope with life’s struggles, but at what point do we need to recruit professional help?  I believe Dr. Drew Pinsky of HLN summed it up best in a recent online posting:

Some with mental illness work hard to hide it. We all present to the world what we want it to see. Being funny may have been a mask for Williams.  Psychiatric conditions do not discriminate. They affect old and young. Rich and poor. The well-educated and high school dropouts. People of all colors and socio-economic groups. If there’s a message in Williams’ death, it’s this: It is really important to remind ourselves that these medical conditions are serious. If you or a loved one are struggling with this sort of thing, please take advantage of treatment and stay with it. You are not at fault. You are not to blame. Reach out. Often the solution can be in your connection to others.  Find a licensed professional and follow treatment recommendations. Treatment is usually successful. There is hope.  

In addition, Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, offered similar advice following his death, “It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid”.

At this point some of you may be wondering how much of an issue is depression and / or suicidal ideation for today’s local youth.  The statistics put out by the ND Department of Public Instruction from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicate that it is likely a much bigger concern than many of us in North Dakota would otherwise guess.

The above chart shows us that roughly 1 in 6 ND high school students has seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year and the chart below shows us that these most recent results reflect the highest percentage in the last 10 years.

Do you find the above charts as alarming as I do?  If so, please consider helping to bring attention to mental health awareness by participating in the upcoming Altru / TEARS Walk for Suicide Prevention.  For those unfamiliar with TEARS, it stands for Together we Educate About the Realities of Suicide and seeks to educate our community, adults and students alike, on the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide in an effort to prevent further suicides in our area.  TEARS also seeks to support individuals and families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

In closing, I am sad for the recent loss of Robin Williams, but I am also reminded of the young people I have taught who also died too soon from suicide.  In addition, I think of their loved ones who likely live on with questions and heartache and need support too.  For those of you in the local Grand Forks area please consider attending the following support group: