UPDATE: Here is a much more eloquently written piece that discusses the topic of RW and mental health more thoughtfully, by the talented Andrew Solomon (who also wrote an excellent vantage point on Peter Lanza and the Sandy Hook tragedy earlier this year).
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A lot of linkage these days but I felt this was an important message regarding the mental illness side of suicide (though atrociously written). I'm not sure why the act of calling suicide "selfish" is coming up more so with Robin Williams' passing than any other celebrity suicide, but it's common, and I used to think it was a selfish act as well. Unfortunately-- but also maybe fortunately-- this just means we don't understand or have never experienced severity in our moments of depression, if at all.
Depression was a word I used to use freely before I knew what it really meant. When my friend committed suicide due to depression unbeknownst to almost everyone around her, I realize now I should have known better. It's critical to educate yourself on symptoms like insomnia, dissatisfaction of life, undereating or overeating, or moodiness among many, to understand that they may be signs of depression. She told me she had trouble sleeping, and took pills for it. How could I be so stupid not to be more concerned?
Depression is considered to be a serious mental issue, and although there is also talk about the stigmas of mental illness being a black plague over the rest of your life (it shouldn't be)-- it's almost too common, with about 800,000 suicides a year, globally; not including people who attempt suicide and don't succeed.
My point is that mental instability will lead you to do some crazy things-- among them, maybe taking your own life. It's something you couldn't even bring yourself to do if you were sane. But I think with the right supports (understanding, encouragement, love, outside-the-box measures), it's possible to overcome!
I selfishly believe that some unfortunate things happen to educate the idiots in this world (myself included), but I guess everyone is an idiot at one point in their lives, and I've certainly learned a lot and will prepare myself to learn more.
