Prominent actor Robin Williams dies of suspected suicide

[mae-3]

All those in the mental health system, through either use of services or a mental health professional have known somebody personally that has completed suicide, and it is one of the top statistical reasons that individuals die in our society these days. Why our society isn't trying to address more openly the suicide epidemic of our times is beyond belief. We only seem to hear about the subject when prominent figures die of suicide. Statically information concerning suicide isn't readily made available to the public on how often it does really occurs, let me tell you it is more often that most are aware of themselves.

I've known of five individuals myself that have successfully completed suicide during my own battle with bipolar affective disorder, and I have even made an attempt myself in my not so distant past. I've even had discussions with two of the individuals that took their own life within a week of me talking to them, and it's such a emotional subject that fires everyone up.

When talking to these two individuals that did complete suicide within a week of me talking to them, it was apparent that there was no stopping them taking their own life, one even had discussions with a psychiatrist at my house with me present, and nether one of us believed they'd take their life, even though they did quickly and decisively. All of these individuals took their life for a reason and it's usually that life has become too complicated and they cannot see a solution to a or more than one barricade that they've hit in their life, and that was also the case with my own attempt.

Our society isn't really geared up to have empathy for those with mental health issues because the majority just don't understand and sweep other people's distress under the carpet, it's just something our society does and it's unacceptable. Even governments don't care about those with mental health issues, as they are removing funds and services that the minority in this group depend on for a happy life, because of austerity around the world. How many more will have to die before governments around the world take notice and fund the services that those suffering need in their every day life?

[Ruthnaomi]

I very much agree that the government need to fund the nhs and mental health related charities with more money. This way awareness can be promoted and people could actually receive help. I believe that if someone is determined to take their own life it should be taken very seriously if talked about. I too have lost people in my life to suicide, and it is very painful. Although I have an understanding of the hopelessness and desperation that drives someone to end their life, it is still impossible to know other's strife and struggles in depth, unless one listens and is empathetic.