It seems that everyone has had something to say in the wake of Robin Williams’ suicide– including us. Any time someone’s struggle with mental illness goes public, there’s bound to be a lot of commentary. This article from the Huffington Post raises a worthwhile point: In that response, we need to be sensitive to the language we’re using. Please read this excerpt, and you can click through to the full article via the link below.
(Nigel) Lythgoe’s unfortunate (language about suicide) comes from a long line of misguided commentary from public figures. A few weeks ago, Fox News anchor Shepard Smith sounded off about the death of beloved actor Robin Williams, calling him a “coward” for committing suicide. KISS frontman Gene Simmons also made insensitive remarks about mental illness recently, telling Songfacts.com in an interview that he doesn’t get along with anybody who “has a dark cloud over their head and sees themselves as a victim.”
Our conversation about mental illness needs to be a positive, healthy dialogue, not one laden with shame. As soon as that begins to happen, we’ll be able to address these health issues more effectively. More importantly, it will encourage those suffering to get the professional help they need and deserve — without the fear of being called “stupid.”