The news about Robin Williams suicide is on everyone's mind these days. It's shocking that someone so beloved is gone.
People have said some unflattering things about his suicide and his character and I'm not going to rant about that, as ill-informed as it is. They must not understand.
I do.
24 years ago, I tried to kill myself. I was in college at the time, my parents were going through a hideous divorce, my family was having huge financial reverses, and under the burden of all the stress, I wasn't doing well in school. I felt like my life was falling apart.
I started considering how much easier things would be if I just...wasn't. I didn't set out to present with any of the typical signs of suicidal ideation, but I managed to anyhow. My sleep patterns changed, I isolated myself, started not eating. When my girlfriend at the time asked me if anything was wrong, I put on a big fake smile, and said I was just fine.
Lucky for me she knew better. She stopped me mid-attempt.
I got help.
If you are having similar feelings, or think someone close to you is, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-873-8255. Give them a call. I'd be grateful if you do.
