Salute to Spouses Blog

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Shock. Surprise. Sadness.

The entire nation was caught off guard this week when comedian extraordinaire Robin Williams died.

Authorities suspect he committed suicide. That is when the ugly rose to the top. Comments on social media questioned how a man so lively, so funny, so warm could be suffering so badly that he would take his own life.

But mental illness, depression and the decision to commit suicide is complex. And recovering is not as simple as reaching out or realizing how beloved you are.

And suicide is not just something that happens to war veterans, even though media coverage in the last five years has focused on that demographic. The CDC reported that in 2009, more people died from suicide in the U.S. than in car accidents.

From 1999 to 2010, the suicide rate among Americans ages 35 to 64 rose by nearly 30 percent, meaning, more than 17 people per 100,000 in that age group took their own life.

How can you help?

Share this number – to people you know are struggling, to people you don’t suspect are struggling. To co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, heck, hang it in the bathroom stalls at work where people can copy it down privately. But pass it out, to everyone.

You never know whose live you may change.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

And to our beloved Robin Williams, who spent a good portion of his time meeting and entertaining sick children, military troops and the downtrodden, we will always be thankful to you for sharing your gift with the world. May you be at peace.

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