Robin Williams Suicide Attempt Trigger Copycats, Lessons Learned; Hotline Calls Depression Awareness Rise:
As shocking of the suicide of actor Robin Williams was for the Entertainment and Film industry, his death has spurred an increasing number of CopyCats who are either planning to die just like the movie star or are going through similar situations as Robin was - troubled marriage, trouble paying bills or even sleeping alone.
When a famous person commits suicide, it is a common act for others to follow suit, with an assumption that their predicament is similar to that of the unfortunate actor. Along with that, the Samaritans have spread guidelines for news sites that dispel grim details of the belt hanging, etc. Some say that a focus on positive results of actors and patients would help people who are planning suicide.
As far as awareness is considered, medical experts are saying that the Williams' suicide teaches people that patients with depression 'can't snap out of it' as family members want them to. And sometimes medicines can also contribute to suicidal thoughts. Prozac is one such example. Most of all, there is no cure depression and it is not going to go away because it is a 'brain disease.'
Robin Williams said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, "It might have been helpful to learn how to deal (awareness) with things such as stress," adding, "I dealt with it with alcohol. And then you realize that doesn't help you much. That doesn't help you deal with the situation."
Williams presumably slept for 18 hours throughout day and night and had little appetite. His friends noted that two days before his death, he seemed to be struggling with feelings of depression. And a patient who attended rehab with Williams said, he had told her he wanted to go quick. He would cry when he thought about making others suffer with his addiction and hopelessness.
Boston.com reports, "There are many lessons fans can draw from Williams' life and through his movies. If Williams' death taught us anything, it's this: Depression is a lifelong condition that can strike at any age. It can be masked by laughter, and in some cases-unlike Hollywood-there are no happy endings."
For more information on depression, contact the National: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
