To Live Would Be an Awfully Big Adventure: Making Meaning of Robin Williams' Death

Guest Post by Jess Stohlmann-Rainey and Heidi Lightenburger

As we grapple with the shock and devastation of losing an actor who touched the lives of so many with his work, we are confronted with the difficult reality that mental health conditions, like many other health conditions, can be lethal. Whether your memories are from Mork and Mindy, Good Morning Vietnam, Aladdin, Good Will Hunting, or Happy Feet, generations of us have been moved to laughter and tears by Robin Williams work.

The comedic and fun-loving aspects of Robin Williams were just as much a part of him as his battle with the severe depression that can come with bipolar disorder. Just as he inspired us to laugh, cry, and love with him, he also inspired us to be open about life’s challenges, including struggles with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and addiction. Robin Williams was a part of an at-risk demographic that many people do not know about. White, working-aged men with a mental health condition and substance abuse disorder are one of the most high risk groups for suicide. This demographic of men is also least likely to access the care they need. Because men do not often ask for help when they are struggling with mental health concerns, it is important for the people who care about them to learn to advocate on their behalf.

The first step to helping others is to recognize warning signs. The American Association of Suicidology uses the acronym IS PATH WARM as a simple tool we can use to remember:

I – Ideation (suicidal thoughts)

S – Substance Abuse

P – Purposelessness

A – Anxiety

T – Trapped

H – Hopelessness/Helplessness

W – Withdrawal

A – Anger

R – Recklessness

M – Mood changes

Once you have identified someone who might need help, ask them directly about their suicidal thoughts and refer them to a mental health resource like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The experts at the Lifeline can help connect people to care to prevent tragedies.

These resources can be used to help a friend, colleague, or family member, but are also great tools for helping yourself. You don’t have to wait to get help until it seems like there is no hope left. Accessing care early and making a safety plan can prevent suicidal thoughts from ever happening.

Robin Williams lived with co-occurring mental health conditions for the majority of his adult life, and many days, most days, he won battles. It is important to remember the times he won, and to send messages of hope and help to those who are struggling.

As he said in Hook, “To live would be an awfully big adventure,” and that is an adventure worth protecting.

Get Involved in the Suicide Prevention Movement

Learn: Attend a training or bring a speaker to your organization

Volunteer: Connect with a local suicide prevention organization about current opportunities

Give: Donate to the cause and find opportunities for sponsorship