I had a student write to me tonight expressing gratitude for the help and love I'd provided on their journey after reading of Robin's passing. Life becomes so precious once we realize how delicate and REAL it is.
So, here we go. In my personal life, I have never experienced severe depression. I've been sad, yes, and even classified myself as depressed, but never could I place myself on the level of clinical depression that I have witnessed firsthand. Depression runs in my family, very closely, as well as mental illness and suicidal tendencies. I have felt the pain of this from a distance, and empathised for quite some time. All I can feel right now is sadness for how alone he must have felt.
Depression is real. It can get easier with help.
Depression makes you not want to get out of bed. Ironically, it doesn't want to you sleep, either.
Depression leaves you drained, with no energy for anything. When you want to rest, depression keeps your mind rolling.
Facing depression is no easy task, and quite often requires more strength than a body builder to ensure those in your life that you're just fine... which is a lie. But their disappointment would only add more pressure.
As a public figure and a father, I cannot imagine the pressure that Robin felt.
I cannot fathom the amount of strength it took to get out of bed sometimes. To face the world not only with a smile, but with the desire to spread the light of laughter and happiness across the world.
I have felt the overpowering strength it takes to fight tears in front of your child, to protect their spirit and to shield them from the hurt, even just for another day.
I pray that Robin's spirit finds the comfort and safety that it so desired here on Earth.
If you are feeling depression, please seek the help of a trusted friend or medical professional.
Let's all take some time to meditate on this tonight:
