Recognizing Suicide: As I learned of Robin Williams’ death...
by Dr. Marci Bryant
When a soul leaves this life tragically by its own hand, we as a family, as a community, as a nation feel the loss; some of us even feel the grief. But even more than that, we come to the realization that a soul was hurting and we missed the signs. Why did we not know the depth of despair or pain that someone in our circle was going through? Did we not look into their eyes? It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. Did we not hear their words? Or did we dismiss them because we were too engaged in our own selfish pursuits?
Those who were close enough to touch the person; did we not feel the desperation in their grasp? Could we not sense the unspoken sadness?
I think of Robin Williams, who I have never known personally but have known his comic genius for decades. He was a favorite of mine; as I enjoyed everything that I have seen him in. And as I look at the pictures that are being aired now on TV, I see the sadness in his eyes. I remember watching an episode of “The Crazy Ones” and thought he looked ill; but dismissed it; after all, he was Robin Williams. What could possibly be wrong?
There is something very remarkable and mysterious and deceptively overlooked about this state of being human. We all are. We are all subject to highs and lows, pains, sickness, addictions, happiness, disappointment, peace, lack, need, comfort, forgiveness, understanding, etc., and yet we often live as if it is ignored or camouflaged that this condition will just go away; or if by reason of strength and shear will we can keep it hidden until it leaves on its own.
Life itself throws into our paths so many options and distractions that the human condition just gets caught up until it can no longer survive the “madness”. I say “madness” for the lack of a better word. After all this silent world of pain has affected and altered the thinking of the mind.
We need to learn that people, all people are fragile. Life as we know it has an end and it can end in any number of different ways. But to end by one’s own hand; in my opinion is one of the most tragic. It speaks volumes, with the last volume kindly giving way to; “I can’t do this life anymore”. So sad that the pleas for help were never really heard or understood; never really recognized or followed up on.
To be better, let’s all strive to connect to our humanness, not just in ourselves but in others. Let’s look beyond our fragile frame to a power far greater than ourselves. Let’s look to the God of this universe and let’s learn how to live; how to hear, touch, sense and see what really is. Let us smell the aroma of success and know when failure is on the horizon. Let’s stop ignoring what is right in front of us while we are looking beyond for what may never be.
Robin’s life was not in vain. He gave this world the best of himself, but I ask, did we, who knew him well, give the same in return? Are we giving our best heart and ear to those in our very own circle? Let’s look beyond ourselves and really reach out and touch others who might be hurting.
When a soul leaves this life tragically by its own hand, we as a family, as a community, as a nation feel the loss; some of us even feel the grief. But even more than that, we come to the realization that a soul was hurting and we missed the signs. Why did we not know the depth of despair or pain that someone in our circle was going through? Did we not look into their eyes? It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. Did we not hear their words? Or did we dismiss them because we were too engaged in our own selfish pursuits?
Those who were close enough to touch the person; did we not feel the desperation in their grasp? Could we not sense the unspoken sadness?
I think of Robin Williams, who I have never known personally but have known his comic genius for decades. He was a favorite of mine; as I enjoyed everything that I have seen him in. And as I look at the pictures that are being aired now on TV, I see the sadness in his eyes. I remember watching an episode of “The Crazy Ones” and thought he looked ill; but dismissed it; after all, he was Robin Williams. What could possibly be wrong?
There is something very remarkable and mysterious and deceptively overlooked about this state of being human. We all are. We are all subject to highs and lows, pains, sickness, addictions, happiness, disappointment, peace, lack, need, comfort, forgiveness, understanding, etc., and yet we often live as if it is ignored or camouflaged that this condition will just go away; or if by reason of strength and shear will we can keep it hidden until it leaves on its own.
Life itself throws into our paths so many options and distractions that the human condition just gets caught up until it can no longer survive the “madness”. I say “madness” for the lack of a better word. After all this silent world of pain has affected and altered the thinking of the mind.
We need to learn that people, all people are fragile. Life as we know it has an end and it can end in any number of different ways. But to end by one’s own hand; in my opinion is one of the most tragic. It speaks volumes, with the last volume kindly giving way to; “I can’t do this life anymore”. So sad that the pleas for help were never really heard or understood; never really recognized or followed up on.
To be better, let’s all strive to connect to our humanness, not just in ourselves but in others. Let’s look beyond our fragile frame to a power far greater than ourselves. Let’s look to the God of this universe and let’s learn how to live; how to hear, touch, sense and see what really is. Let us smell the aroma of success and know when failure is on the horizon. Let’s stop ignoring what is right in front of us while we are looking beyond for what may never be.
Robin’s life was not in vain. He gave this world the best of himself, but I ask, did we, who knew him well, give the same in return? Are we giving our best heart and ear to those in our very own circle? Let’s look beyond ourselves and really reach out and touch others who might be hurting.
