The sad realization is that we have no idea what goes on behind the closed doors of someone's mind, the battles they face, nor understand things that may have contributed to their depression or mental illness. BUT, we should also take a cue from Robin and know that laughter cures many ills.
Now, before I receive a bevy of messages and emails stating that "laughter won't cure depression," let me state, unequivocally, that I agree. My point is this: this old world needs more laughter, less ridicule, and just a little more understanding for those silently screaming for help.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not always the most compassionate person, but I work hard to see things from another person's point of view. I attempt to walk in their shoes, even if only in my mind, before I reach a forgone conclusion about them. At the end of the day, we're all human and, as such, should attempt to help one another whenever or wherever possible.
Speaking for myself only, I can say that laughter has pulled me out of several mental funks. Like everyone, I've fought depression in some form or other, although I wouldn't place my struggles in the clinical depression category, and most often I can feel myself rising from some dark, cavernous abyss when someone is able to make me laugh.
I would implore you to help anyone you believe needs help, whether their struggles be mental, or perhaps attributed to chemical or alcohol dependency, or maybe just acute loneliness. Not everyone will accept your help, but don't give up.....maybe, just maybe......that person you're trying to help is waiting on you to make him or her.......simply....laugh.
I've had the discussion about Robin Williams passing to many people today. Iv shared this story each time-We had a missionary from equador share w pour church that he was depressed for over a year. He prayed, fasted, ate healthy, food all he knew to do and could not come out of it. Finally, he went to a Dr. The Dr found that his seratonin hormone level was too low. After he began his meds, it brought his seratonin up and he was back to his happy self. So, poor or rich, famous our infamous, saved or sinner, depression can hit anyone. I weighed Robin would have sought out professional help. Maybe He did our maybe Hre didn't bc of pride, after all, he may have thought, how does the funniest man in America ask for help w depression? Jim Carrey also deals w depression. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the typos.
DeleteI have only had a slight bout with depression (many years ago), and I really didn't know what it was at the time. I dealt with it myself, and moved on. The deep level of depression Robin Williams endured is difficult to fathom, and undoubtedly required professional help.
ReplyDeleteI don't think laughter cures that level of anything, but it sure helps. Laughter can change your mood completely, and make the whole day just fly by. Most days, I will absolutely laugh at least every hour. In fact, I reflexively think back to a particularly amusing moment or event, and burst into spontaneous laughter at any given moment.
This may be an involuntary reaction to some undetected malady.
Laughter is hard wired into the human genome.
Thank God!