R.I.P Robin Williams and Understanding Depression and Suicide

Oscar winning actor Robin Williams is gone too soon. I was so shocked to hear the sad news that Williams died of an apparent suicide. Sadly, I’ve lost too many friends this way and have realized one thing. Suicide is not something you can ever predict. You can just never tell when someone is on the brink like this. And sadly, more often than not, they can’t be stopped. It was shocking to all who knew them, just like the world is shocked by this horrible news of dear funnyman Williams.

He made the world laugh, but couldn’t lighten his own load through his humor. His incredible body of work will keep him forever in our hearts. RIP Robin Williams.

I checked the American Suicide Prevention Foundation website and found these facts. Share this info with friends and loved ones.

Risk Factors for Suicide:

Mental disorders: depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder; alcohol or substance abuse or dependence; schizophrenia; borderline or antisocial personality disorder; conduct disorder (in youth); psychotic disorders; psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder; anxiety disorders; impulsivity and aggression, especially in the context of the above mental disorders; previous suicide attempt; family history of attempted or completed suicide; serious medical condition and/or pain

Some people who have one or more of the major risk factors above can become suicidal in the face of factors in their environment, such as:

A highly stressful life event such as losing someone close, financial loss, or trouble with the law
Prolonged stress due to adversities such as unemployment, serious relationship conflict, harassment or bullying
Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide (contagion)
Access to lethal methods of suicide during a time of increased risk

Protective Factors for Suicide

Read More: RIP Robin Williams–What you need to know about suicide