There have been a lot of postings that are expected when a well loved celebrity passes away, as well as there were some postings I have seen why it's okay not to feel sad or remorse. However, in this case, since I feel that mental health is an issue that is still stigmatized or hushed until behind closed doors, I want to share why I am truly going to miss about Robin Williams, and one last lesson he taught me.
First, I will miss him for some of the roles he played.
I will miss him because as a kid I always wanted to be Aladdin, and the thought of having him as a best friend with magical powers would be great.
I will miss him because when he disguised himself, just to be closer to his family in Mrs. Doubtfire his character taught me how great a bond can be with parent and child.
I will miss him because when I was about 10 years old and just wanted to grow up, I saw the movie Hook and he taught me that even if you are such in a hurry to grow up, forget who you are, and to have fun there is always time to change that.
I will miss him because when I was a senior in high school in a Psychology class, we watched Awakenings and he captured something that I hope to be whenever I grow up and that was a dedicated professional who powered through adversity.
I will miss him because even though I never saw Dead Poet's Society until last night, I was reminded of the importance of the right influence of a teacher can be. He reminded me so much of so many teachers and professors I had that I felt incredibly blessed and humbled.
Second, I will miss him for his charity.
There have been uploads and stories from citizens and veterans, a like of whom he would just take the time to entertain and try to make their lives better.
Third, I will miss him for his stand-up.
Granted, I have only one album of his Stand-Up. I appreciated how raw, funny, vulgar, and how real he was.
Fourth, I will miss him for his honesty.
It was during his stand-up, I learned about his demons (alcoholism, and cocaine abuse). He talked about this health problems with his heart, and his mental lows as well. Again, he was raw and real, he didn't try hiding who he was. He tried to better himself by going to rehab as well.
Now onto the reason behind the title of this entry.
The last lesson I will learn from him is to talk things out and to be honest about how I am feeling. For those that don't know I have Bi-Polar Disorder, and with the territory comes extreme highs that will make you freakishly optimistic and happy, while at the same time extreme lows and depression can set in.
Yes, even the Big "S" word, comes into play. Have I attempted it? Yes. Do I still think about it? Yes. But do I plan on acting on these thoughts? No. I feel a big reason not to commit it or attempt it is because of love. After seeing people's reactions to it, I tried my best to really focus on the people who were close to him like his family.
I may never be famous for my writing or acting, or impact a fraction of the lives he did. But he did have loved ones that miss him. I think that people should know that they are loved, and that they will leave a void, when it's their time to go, especially if it's by their own hand.
I plan on being honest with not just the people who want to know, but more importantly honest to myself. Especially if I need help. (I was on medication but weaned off of it, and I had seen a counselor for about a year and a half).
Please, if you're ever considering suicide, just call a hotline, or reach out to a loved one.
They're there. They are a gift, and so is life...don't waste it.
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