Not a Death Sentence

Depression is not a death sentence. We've all seen the statistics so I'm not going to repeat them. Statistics don't apply to anyone who is living in that moment. Not to mention that I don't know the statistics right off the top of my head and am way to lazy to go look them up.

I digress...DEPRESSION IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE! 

When I got the message yesterday about Robin Williams, I didn't know how to process it. I felt sick. My world was spinning. Not only because this great man was gone, but because if Robin freaking Williams couldn't survive depression, what hope did the rest of us have? What was left for the rest of us if this beautiful life who had given so much to the rest of the world couldn't find his own peace in life? If rehab and doctors and medications that were not out of his reach couldn't work for him, what did that mean for those who can't afford the doctors, assistants, and medications? If the man who made millions smile and breathe and live couldn't smile, breathe and live for himself, who could? How does a "regular" person survive depression, addiction, anxiety, and mental illness if someone larger then life can't?

I don't know. I don't know the answer to those questions. I don't know how to survive depression. I don't know if I will survive depression. I don't know that I won't become that statistic. I also don't know that I won't walk outside and get hit by a bus tomorrow. I don't know that my ceiling won't collapse and I'll be crushed to death while I sleep. 

I know that it's possible to survive depression. I know that depression doesn't have to be a death sentence. I know today that even though Robin Williams couldn't survive depression, others can. 

My heart is heavy for the survivors of Robin Williams. My prayers go out to them and the dark days that may come. 

My prayers go out to all the people surviving depression, and all mental illnesses, one day at a time. It's not easy an easy battle but it IS survivable.