Around two months back I was facing the usual crisis of deciding what movie to see on Friday night. Luckily my roommate came to the rescue and handed me a flash drive with a movie called DEAD POET”S SOCIETY. The climax had a unique connection to the unfortunate passing away of Robin Williams. In the movie for which Williams received an Oscar, he played the role of an English teacher and one of his students was the victim of depression very much the same way Mr. Williams was, albeit for different reasons. The lesson to learn is that depression is something that can affect even those who seem to have everything together.
This episode should be used to draw attention to the very important subject of why depression should be considered as a major illness. We have to take this experience and try and spread it to people in every corner of the globe who are going through similar symptoms. We should also keep in mind that even the rich and famous are susceptible to depression. In fact in light of recent events a lot of celebrities have revealed that they are also suffering from depression and they are now more than ever determined to overcome it.
Stigma attached to mental illnesses is one thing but the pressure from society to perform and exceed expectations is something that also needs to be addressed. Sometimes criticism becomes an immoral judgement of a person’s ability. There is also no respite from completion of places in everything we do. These daily demands cause only harm to one’s mental well being and it is not unexpected that failing to reach the levels of perfection day in day out hampers confidence. We have to learn to create an environment of support and encouragement and not have unrealistic and strained expectations from anyone.
Coming back to the stigma of depression, Anchal Sood shared her thoughts in her article ‘Stigmatization of mental illnesses‘. The fact of the matter is people are coming forward for so many concerns like promoting the awareness of ALS disease by taking on the Ice bucket challenge, or like the several organizations working towards helping cancer patients. Although when it comes to clinical depression instead of seeking out help from society those affected have to suffer in silence in fear of judgement. The need for the eradication of this mentality cannot be highlighted more now than ever. It’s not sufficient to respect people who are brave enough to continue inspiring others despite their own problems. We have to come forward and empathize not condemn people suffering from these ailments.
Abraham Lincoln once said “He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help”. And if our efforts are not enough we have to make sure that we can do everything in our power to get the help people need from those with the capability. So let us take this not as an event of mourning but one that provides the realization and teaches us the seriousness of depression and other mental illnesses.