Yesterday I heard the news about Robin Williams and felt sorrow for his friends and family.  I know too well the pain they are experiencing and the question the are undoubtedly asking themselves: Why? or I should have done… Unfortunately for them they will never have an answer and will likely live with some form of guilt the rest of their lives.

Depression and mental illness are diseases that are too easily disregarded in our country and our communities.  People are ashamed to admit they may have a problem and don’t seek the help they need.  I don’t know one person who hasn’t experienced some form of depression and yet we don’t talk about it.  Mental illness is like “the cancer” of olden times.  People whisper about it in fear.

In the last few years I have joined the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention which raises money to educate our communities and get the help people desperately need.  It’s so important to let people know there is help and not to be ashamed to seek it.  Please consider donating to this amazing organization for my upcoming walk:  https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.participant&participantID=551483

Despite that most of us do not personally know Mr. Williams, he has touched each one of us in an amazing way through his incredible talent.  I am hopeful that we all learn something from this tragedy and perhaps it will shed light on this important topic that affects every single one of us.