Speaking from the perspective of a person that .....
.... also has severe depression, I know how easy it is to move from being happy with life, to wanting to put an end to at the drop of a misplaced word from another! As for me, I am doing well, but it is a constant battle, and with the loving prayers of my wife and family, medication and access to same-day counseling when needed, my depression is under control!
So, I can easily see how Robin did what he did, and to be honest, we as believers need to be extra sensitive when it comes to those in danger of harming themselves, and instead of demeaning and provoking them, we should pray for them!
We will miss the stylistic comedy of Robin Williams, and pray that if anyone in his immediate family and family of friends do not know Jesus, that this shocking and tragic end to a colorful life, be drawn unto Jesus. As a person that has been suicdal, I can honestly tell you that Jesus makes the difference in my life, and I know He can do the same to those suffering from depression!
Depression is nothing to laugh at, and nothing to take lightly. It is also something that we should not make fun of and mock, because that keeps people from being able to seek help. It is a disease, ike cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes, asthma, organ failure, deafness, blindness, even arthritis!
Some may try to put the label of demonic influence on depression and other mental health issues, but anyone who suffers from this disease will tell you that it is no laughing matter, and more importantly, it is not demonic. Sure, like any other disability, the devil can use it against a person, but, deep down, it is a chemical imbalance, and Robin's passing allows us to once again bring this disease to the front, and give it its the respect it deserves, because it is no different than any other physical disease. We need to remember, that depression can torment a erson from cradle to grave, and we would do well to develop a compassionate understanding to those who have depression! There is one thing that keeps me going in this lie, and it is knowing that in heaven, mental illness will be no more!
