Aladdin was a staple of every 90’s kid’s childhood. 

This classic Disney movie had it all: a princess that wasn’t white, a hot-yet-scruffy unlikely hero, and some pretty rad singing to boot. But the real magic came with the comic relief character: the Genie. The knee-slapping jokes and funny impressions truly made the story even better, and who better to voice this wonderful character than Robin Williams. His voice was iconic, and this was only one of his many roles as an actor, comedian, and all around pretty swell guy. 

I, along with countless people around the world, am still mourning the loss of such a phenomenal actor. Although death in itself is sad, Robin William’s death comes as a tragic shock. The world was stunned to hear that the man who made us all laugh had committed suicide. On top of that, he had apparently been battling with severe depression for a while now. 

For me and many others, this comes as a reality check. We all hear the statistics in school and on the news: such-and-such numbers of teenagers are depressed; suicide rates are climbing; etc. But when it gets personal, when someone we don’t expect succumbs to their demons, that’s when it gets really scary, really fast. 

I can guarantee that everyone reading this knows at least one person who suffers from depression. Even if you don’t know who, I assure you, someone in your life is struggling. The numbers are too high to consider your life exempt from depression in some way. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or even yourself, depression haunts everyone’s lives. 

The problem with this, however, are that the stigmas attached to depression and suicide make opening up very difficult. We, as a society, accept those with physical disabilities more than mental ones. But what we have to consider is that depression is just as crippling as a physical disability. It’s not a choice. It’s not a temporary thing that goes away. It’s not just a bad day every once in a while. It’s a constant, heavy sadness. And it’s serious. 

Even more judged in society is suicide. Many people call it selfish, or blame the victim for it. So suicidal thoughts and actions often are swept under the rug because it is so “shameful”. But imagine a world where people could just come out and say “I really don’t feel like living anymore. Help me.” How many deaths would be prevented? How much love would be shared to help replenish their will to live? How would society change? 

I implore you to look at the lost life of Robin Williams as a lesson. We lost a man to something that could have been prevented. For those who know someone suffering: even if you don’t understand what they are going through, just offer some support and love. You could save them from a tragic end. For those suffering: you’ll hear it over and over, but it is more sincere than I could express: you are not alone. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, to express your feelings, or just admit something is wrong.

Where Robin Williams struggled--as many others do--we can learn. Take his death to heart, celebrate the life of a man who made us laugh even through suffering, reach out to those in need now, and take care of yourself. And, no matter what, know that there is help. 

RIP Robin Williams 1951-2014