Most Americans are aware of the suicide of Robin Williams. The comedian\/actor took his own life August 11, 2014, at his home in Marin County, Calif.<\/p>\n
Almost from the moment Williams\u2019 death was announced, media analysts began to parse the circumstances of his suicide. Speculation has run the gamut as to how the man who made millions smile could despair enough to take his own life, from depression and debt to addiction and illness. He apparently had been diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance and speech.<\/p>\n
Williams\u2019 wife issued a written statement. A portion of the statement said:<\/p>\n
\u201cRobin\u2019s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety, as well as early stages of Parkinson\u2019s disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly. It is our hope in the wake of Robin\u2019s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the end of the proverbial day, the only person who really knew the why of his suicide is Robin Williams. There is no indication that he left a note of explanation, but it would not really help anyone to truly understand. No, only Williams knew what led him to choose to end his own life.<\/p>\n
Tragically, suicide is on the increase in America. The American Journal of Public Health reported in 2012 that suicide had surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States.<\/p>\n
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that in the United States an average of 109 people take their own lives each day.<\/p>\n
Some who end their lives leave notes, others do not. Regardless, as in Williams\u2019 case, no one really knows what causes people to take their own lives.<\/p>\n
Thomas Joiner, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, has researched the \u201cwhy\u201d of suicide and developed what has been called the first comprehensive theory of suicide.<\/p>\n
Joiner has identified three conditions that he says are present in suicide cases \u201cat all times in all cultures across all conditions\u201d:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Thwarted belongingness : A person feels like he or she is all alone in a struggle or pain.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Perceived burdensomeness : A person believes his or her life is a liability and does not matter to anyone.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Capability for suicide : A person reaches the point he or she is not afraid to die.<\/p>\n
The person who believes the world is indifferent to his or her existence, eventually becomes numb to the idea of pain, Joiner believes. Eventually, such a person accepts the idea that death is preferable to living and any pain endured in the process is only temporary.<\/p>\n
Joiner believes that if the growing trend of suicide is to be reversed, society must change its attitude. The shame and stigma must be removed and people must be urged to seek help for their suicidal musings.<\/p>\n
It seems to me the one thread running through all the conditions in Joiner\u2019s theory is despair. When a person loses hope that his or her life will have continued meaning, suicide may seem like an option.<\/p>\n
We often do not know if someone is contemplating suicide. But what can you and I do to help people who might be struggling with whether or not to end their lives?<\/p>\n
Joiner told the Internet news site The Daily Beast of a suicide note that was written in San Francisco. \u201cI\u2019m walking to the Golden Gate Bridge,\u201d it read. \u201cIf one person smiles at me on the way, I will not jump.\u201d Sadly, the writer of the note jumped.<\/p>\n
You never know what someone is struggling with. Your smile might be what someone needs to get them through another day. With that thought in mind, consider the following:<\/p>\n
\u201cDo unto others as you would have them do unto you,\u201d Jesus taught. Treat every person you meet the way you would want them to treat you. Smile and extend dignity and respect to everyone you encounter.<\/p>\n
\u201cA merry heart,\u201d Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs, \u201cdoes good like a medicine.\u201d Many apply this verse to one\u2019s personal health, indicating a positive attitude facilitates healing. However, it also suggests that having a pleasant disposition toward those with whom we interact facilitates their wellbeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cA word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver,\u201d Solomon observed. A word of encouragement could be just what someone needs from you.<\/p>\n
As followers of Christ, Peter tells us, \u201cAnd be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.\u201d Christ is the source of our hope. Share His offer of hope, grace and peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy do people die by suicide? Because they want to,\u201d Joiner told The Daily Beast . We can\u2019t change that for every person, but you might be able to change it for one.<\/p>\n
A smile, a compliment, an encouraging word may be what it takes to stir up hope in another person. Think about it, you might save someone\u2019s life today and never even know it.<\/p>\n
*<\/p>\n
[Original illustration at this number was moved to HolwickID #15265]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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