Be There.

I had something completely different planned today, but I just can’t do it.  I can’t think of anything but Robin Williams.

I’m usually not one to get that upset when a celebrity dies – it’s sad, yes, but it doesn’t usually directly affect my life.  For some reason, this has.  I was in tears yesterday when hearing the news.  The moment I saw it I hoped it was a hoax.  But it isn’t.

Like every kid of the 80s, I grew up watching Robin Williams movies.  I laughed at Mrs. Doubtfire’s crazy antics.  I loved the spirit of Hook.  I’ve watched Aladdin countless times, and like a friend on my Facebook feed said yesterday, “It was the first Disney movie where I didn’t want to be the princess.”

Robin Williams is probably the last person I would’ve thought of when it came to battling depression, but I guess that’s really the point – depression doesn’t discriminate.  It can strike anyone, regardless of circumstances.  I count myself fortunate that I have never experienced it, but so many are not so lucky.  They are our friends, family, celebrities…people who battle things we can’t imagine.  People looking for a way to make the pain stop, and it can be anyone.  You truly never know.

I’ve always strived to be a person that doesn’t judge others.  I’ve always said that you don’t know what their story is, from the skinny person at a Weight Watchers meeting (they could be a lifetime member that lost over 100 pounds), to the mom buying cheap, processed food at the grocery store (maybe that’s all she can afford), to people that are rude for no reason (maybe they just had a tragedy in their life).  The truth is, you just never know what people are going through, and it’s so important to be kind.

I don’t know what the answer is.  Perhaps there isn’t one, but for being there when your friends and family need you.  Make sure they know how much you love and care about them.  If you think they’re in trouble, get them help, even if it means they’ll be angry with you.  It’s more important to get them the help they need.  Depression is truly a disease, and takes countless people’s lives every day.  Friends, brothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, children… far too many to count.  Be there for them.

Rest in Peace, Robin.  We’re really going to miss you.