God Welcomed Robin Home: Suicide and Heaven

News of Robin William’s suicide rocked the Internet. Fans are still reeling from his death. Depression has been thrown into the national spotlight. But will anything substantive be done to heal them?

One person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes. According to the World Health Organization, depression became the #1 disability in the world. Between 75-80% of all completed suicides are made by men. Interestingly, there are 8 to 25 attempted suicides for every completed one.

The good news: 80% of people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully. The bad news: 15% of people who are diagnosed clinically depressed die by suicide. Depression is the strongest risk factor in suicides.

Another issue circulating the Internet is the topic: Do people who die from suicide get into Heaven? The short answer is Yes. Here’s my long answer:

First, let me offer this disclosure: I am not in the clergy; I am not an ordained minister. I am a practicing Episcopalian. Most importantly, I am a believer. And an ardent reader. There are some great articles written by many far more qualified to speak on this matter; however, I wanted present a layperson’s perspective. Call it my 2 cents.

God loves all His children unconditionally. He knows that we all suffer. But He forgives us.

Depression is a disease. Its effects are patient specific. Depression is a tricky beast that lies in wait for years. It may take up residence and stay for a lifetime. For the lucky, the beast may only stop in for a few years or ultimately be permanently evicted. However, without treatment, it will surely kill you.

People caught in the grips of this beast don’t act logically or rationally. The bouts are just that bouts. It’s where the brain battles the beast.

For Robin Williams, the beast won. The beast took more than a man. The beast took a comedic genius. Robin Williams was talented, quirky, creative, and one of the best humanitarian ambassadors in the industry. He will be missed.

God welcomed Robin home. Robin is at peace. The beast is gone.

My prayers go out to Robin’s family and professional family. They need time to grieve, to heal, and to seek professional help. Don’t let the beast get you. Seek help for depression. If you know of someone who may need help, be her family and get encourage her to seek help.

Nanu Nanu.

 

Note: For more information, please visit: http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=705D5DF4-055B-F1EC-3F66462866FCB4E6.