The death of Robin Williams is affecting me almost a
month later. Why? I didn’t know him personally. Maybe its because I understand
depression quite well, unfortunately.
Depression is not just felling sad, it can be physically
debilitating. It steals your appetite, desire to do anything.
Many intelligent and/or creative people suffer
depression. Lincoln had it through most of his presidency, President John
Adams. So did Johnny Carson, Winston Churchill and John Lennon. I’m not saying
I’m a Lincoln, or a Williams, but I understand.
He apparently had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s
Disease. For someone who was famous for his quick wittedness and swiftness of
mind, this was probably the final straw, even at his lowest, he was able to
make people laugh quickly. This was probably the only ability he felt he could
not afford to lose. It doesn’t matter
how loved, respected, or adored you are: when you are in the grip of
depression, all you feel is alone.
Many around you may be going through a crisis. Many may
be having one of a string of bad-days. Many
around you may be fighting depression, you never know. Words have meanings whether
said in anger or love. You may never know what someone else is going through,
but a kind word might be all they need to hear.
Those of us who proclaim ourselves to believe in Jesus, it is doubly
important to do this. What Would Jesus Do? He would take the time to help ones
who are hurting, and in the larger scheme of things, we’re all hurting.
