O' Captain! My Captain!

Right now I am writing this post and watching Goodwill Hunting. This is my small act of remembrance to a man whose life was devoted to giving joy to others whilst silently living his own hell. Robin Williams possessed something you can’t fake for the camera, a good and loving heart, it was so clear and shone through in his performances and interviews alike. He was quick witted and bubbled over with excitement and energy. He was haunted though, like too many creatives are, by depression and alcoholism. In the end the pain was too much and he took his own life, proving to all of us that no man is immune from pain no matter how talented and loved he may be.

Since his passing, huge numbers of people have been taking to social media sites to share their favourite Robin Williams moments and to offer their condolences. There is something I have noticed though, a glittering silver lining to this huge dark cloud, which is the numbers of people promoting awareness for mental health issues. Messages of encouragement and support alongside links to places where help and support can be found are filling my twitter and newsfeed. Too many people I know have been or still are in dark and scary places in their own minds and it is some comfort to me that they may be reading these posts and realising that they do not have to suffer in silence. There is a stigma that needs to be broken and I hope I’m not overly optimistic in thinking that this could be the first step.

It is only so very small and so definitely not enough but this is my message to anybody who might see this (if anybody does) who might be fighting an internal battle:

You are not alone. There is support available and there are people who care. I care. I don’t care who you are, I care. And in the words of A.A.Milne ‘Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’

And to everybody, whether you are suffering yourself or not:

Please talk about mental health. Break the stigma and help millions of people living not only with the pain caused by their depression or anxiety or any mental health problem but also with the fear of judgment.

And show kindness, always. (Or as close to always as you can manage!)

Peace & Love,

GeminiahLouise

-xox-

Ps, please find below links to website that may offer support to sufferers or further understanding of various mental health problems.

www.samaritans.org
www.mind.org.uk/help/advice_lines
http://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice
www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjuk3WMZByo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-iNOFD27G4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lWaAkEEks4&list=UUB7kGgiexh6FYm7-AE82YMw