Self Harm, Robin Williams and The Mask of Happiness

The passing of Robin Williams has been a difficult death for many to grasp. People are still catching their breaths from when they heard that one of the world’s most talented actors took his own life. Not only did he star in one of my favorite films of all time, Dead Poet’s Society, but he always came across as a happy, confident individual.

As an actor, you are able to turn yourself into any character you want and get away with it, even if you are acting out a character in the real world. People admire actors and judge them due to the stories and the talent revolving around them, but sometimes, we forget to think about the baggage they carry – even if it isn’t obvious. Even though Robin Williams struggled with addiction and severe depression, it was hard for the world to see him as anyone other than a funny, happy man.

Obviously, that wasn’t always so.

Many individuals who struggle with self-harm have either dealt with depression or still are fighting those demons. Sadly, depression seems to almost go hand-in-hand with those who cut, burn or hair-pull. However, it also clings to those who are dealing with addiction, such as what Robin Williams had dealt with. While the world around him congratulated him for going to rehab and conquering some of his problems, he continued to struggle while wearing a mask of happiness. A mask that covered up the true battle with himself.

Many People Mask Their True, Inner Demons

Robin Williams died by suicide. However, for those struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideations and other mental illnesses, you can relate to how he may have felt and this situation may bring back memories from your past.

During my years of self-harm, I constantly wore a mask of happiness to hide how I truly felt: lost, upset, confused and suicidal. I walked the hallways and pushed out a smile for friends, teachers and acquaintances, but when I couldn’t handle a class or was in a low mood, I’d sneak away to hurt myself. After making marks, I’d either run to my mother’s office so she could bring me home or go on with the day wearing the same mask I always hid behind.

I think that we can all learn from this situation -- we can’t be quick to judge others because we don’t understand the baggage they carry. The happiest person in your class could be struggling with self-harm or the quiet student in the corner could be planning their suicide. You truly do not know how others feel inside, especially if they come across as a happy person.

Before you judge someone, think about the possibility of that person struggling with a demon unknown to you. If you’ve struggled with inner demons, you know you wouldn’t want other people judging you.

The Effect of Robin Williams' Death By Suicide

• Robin Williams’ Suicide Affects Parents of Mentally Ill Kids
• Dealing with Depression in the Wake of Robin Williams’ Suicide
• Reflections on Suicide in the Wake of Robin William’s Death
• Robin Williams’ Suicide: Did He Have a Choice?
• High Profile Suicides Cause Anxiety

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here. Find out more about Noon through Amazon.com.