The Abyss

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Like a lot of people I was saddened and surprised to hear of Robin Williams’ suicide. How could a man that brought so much joy and laughter to the world be in such pain to end his life? From the outside we saw a successful, wealthy entertainer with worldly success. We often mistake wealth for happiness. He was gifted and yet insecure. If you watch some of his movies you can see the sadness in his eyes. It’s what made him such a versatile actor.

What was more disheartening to me was the response that his family had to endure. During the middle of their grief they were harassed through social media. Technology can be used irresponsibly and boundaries become obsolete. Can you imagine what they endured? His daughter had to close her account. She had just lost her father and was being bombarded with hurtful statements. It made me realize how little people know about depression, its symptoms and when left untreated its consequences-destructive behaviors, broken relationships, addictions and suicide.

I see the effects of depression daily in my practice. It’s an illness with a chemical imbalance. It has a hereditary component and unfortunately comes with a stigma so it’s often left untreated. In Christian circles I’ve heard people say “he just needs Jesus”, or “he was weak in faith”. Would these same statements be made if the diagnosis was cancer? Diabetes? Heart Disease? Would seeking treatment for those diseases be considered unnecessary?…”he just needs to snap out of it.” Just as with those diagnosis treatments involve medications, lifestyle changes, counseling and follow-up visits with physicians.

If you can say that you would never be depressed or contemplate suicide that’s a bold statement. There are so many factors that can trigger this cycle-abusive childhood, broken marriages, loss of job, loss of loved ones, new diagnosis, friendship betrayals, bullying and the list goes on.

I’ve heard suicide described as a selfish act. To someone who is suffering from depression they have become so detached from others that a person often can’t think of those they leave behind and often feel like a burden.

I want to paint you a picture of what it’s like to be in that position when death feels like the only answer. Imagine thoughts of worthlessness and despair. One relives their failures or shortcomings. The enemy enters in your mind and reinforces every negative thing spoken over you and it’s all you can hear. It becomes physically painful. Desperation sets in and rationalization is out. It’s a nonstop bombardment of negative thoughts and hopelessness. It’s the devils playground-an abyss.

Definition Abyss

1. An immeasurable deep chasm, depth or void

2. in the book of Genesis, the primeval chaos out of which earth and sky were formed

3. Abode of evil spirits, hell

So why am I writing about depression in the Valley Christian Magazine?

As Christians we are called to love others more than ourselves and to hurt when others hurt. Depression crosses all financial status, color, ages, sex, education and beliefs. We need to be receptive when someone is venting their fears, desperation and not only guide them to scripture but get them help. It’s not acceptable to ignore the signs, discredit the illness or judge those suffering. That’s not what Jesus has asked of me or you.

1John 3:18 Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

When a person begins to receive treatment they will be more receptive to scripture and Gods promises.

Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted.

I pray that if you are reading this and are feeling desperate, alone and overwhelmed that you reach out and seek help. For those who have friends or loved ones that have voiced their desperation let it be taken seriously.

I don’t’ know what Robin Williams’s treatment was or what support system he had in place. I don’t know his beliefs or relationship with Christ. I can’t judge his actions for as we judge we will be judged. I do know that this man who God gifted with laughter and who brought so many joy was alone, desperate and in such pain that the all he saw was the abyss.

In his final moments nobody knows what happened except for our Heavenly Father but I’m sure He grieved as well. I hope that Robin Williams legacy will be the lives that may be saved by bringing awareness to this crippling disease instead of focusing on the manner of his death. It’s time that Christians make it safe to open the lines of communication and to help those in the abyss by showing them we are His light.

Theresa Valladares, M.D.