May the Christ who serves with wounded hands, stretch out your hands to serve;
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart, open your hearts to love;
May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet,
and may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you.
Our world has certainly changed when it comes to conveying breaking news. Last night Twitter suddenly exploded with word that one of the truly brilliant comics of the past forty years, Robin Williams, had died at sixty-three. All indications are that he took his own life, which we would probably all agree makes his death at a relatively early age even sadder. Immediately we heard that he has been suffering from severe depression after coming out of rehab for issues with both drugs and alcohol.
Williams was hilarious. For example, he was so funny in Mrs. Doubtfire, a somewhat trite film otherwise, but it was even more of a pleasure to watch him manically adlibbing in interviews and other situations.
He also did some star turns in dramatic roles, although someone quipped that if Robin Williams put on a cardigan he was aiming for an Oscar (he got one, in a cardigan, for his role in Good Will Hunting.)
When I heard of the cause of his death I thought of The Fisher King, a film that got generally strong reviews but perhaps not as much acclaim as some other Williams vehicles. The Fisher King is based on a fantastical yet realistic story of the same name. It is a mythic tale which explores brokenness, mental illness, redemption. Williams was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as Parry, a fragile homeless man who snapped years before, when his wife was the victim of a brutal crime. Williams managed to be exceptionally expressive in scenes where he said next to nothing.
The death of Robin Williams pushed aside a report saying that one in six Canadian soldiers suffer from mental issues. I see the two news stories as related. We expected Williams to be funny, no matter what, and we expect our military personnel to be stoic and strong. Yet, we simply do not know who will be affected by depression and other mental health issues, and we can't just move from one celebrity death to another without creating a climate of acceptance and change. Not long ago the world mourned the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, now Williams.
As always, I hope and pray that faith communities will be part of the solution rather than deepening the problem. When we act as though there is some sort of easy victory over the darkness we are misguided. When as Christ's people we walk with those who struggle, without judgment, it can make a difference.
Comments?
5 comments:
I also remember Robin Williams portraying healing roles in productions such as Patch Adams and Awakenings (playing Oliver Saks). His acting versatility knew no bounds. From comedy to drama to outright horror.
Over the years I've come to see depression as a dangerous killing condition. The circumstances of his death is a very sad loss.
I know it's been repeated over and over again, but the stigma of mental illness needs to be removed.
Anyone is susceptible to depression, and no amount of money, fame and adoration can fix it.
The World Health Organization has stated that about one million people take their own lives each year. That is shocking.
I read an article by a psychiatrist who said that mental health should be as much a part of a school's curriculum as math, science and history. I agree.
I am all to familure with this type of mental illness.
It will be 13 years soon since my wife took her own life, leaving me with 2 young children.
No note, no apparent reason other that mental illness.
We survive, and thrive as survivors. I have 2 healthy teenagers, but I admit that I watch them like a hawk for any signs of depression. What I haven't worked out yet is the difference between normal teen emotional development, and mental illness.
Pray for us.
Thanks to the three of you. Your family has thrived sjd, despite your catastrophic loss, yet I know that your wife's death has had a profound effect on all of you. You and your clan have always impressed me with the way you have faced life, and I have seen how God has been an important part of your strength.
Yes sjd I will pray for you and your family, watching diligently for any signs of depression is what we as parents do. I remember well keeping a close eye on our youngest after her cousin committed suicide 16 years ago. His father (my brother) and our father did the same but in all 3 cases alcohol and drugs were involved. We see your children thriving at St. Paul's and your family and faith is so strong. Mental illness can be a constant cloud but I firmly believe education and awareness is what is needed. As Roger stated we need to remove the stigma and focus on open dialogue and discussion in our schools.
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