Today marks the tragic anniversary of the death of Robin Williams, who committed suicide in 2014.
There are still many who believe that those who take their lives are cowards, “How could they do this to their children/parents/partner/family member?”
It’s difficult for many to empathise with those who have had suicidal thoughts, as if these individuals make the decision to end their lives without taking into account the impact on others.
Deaths of despair, mortality from drug overdoses, liver diseases and suicide is on the rise.
There is always more to the story than you know.
Many who are in pain, may be very good at hiding it with a smile.
Robin Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and an autopsy later on showed that he was also suffering from a progressive disease called Lewy body dementia. He also suffered depression.
In a world where there is more video calls than face to face interpersonal interaction, please take the time to connect with those you care about.
Ask them how they are.
Ask them how they’ve been sleeping.
If you’re not coping, reach out.
Samaritan’s will always be here, at the end of a phone 116 123.
You don’t have to cope alone.
#samaritans
#bekind