A Happy Medium by Erin Murtaugh

Within the last couple of weeks, two celebrities have brought attention to both suicide and mental illness. When Robin Williams committed suicide, the world was shocked. “How could such a happy man actually be so sad?” Everyone wondered.

A few days later, American Idol finalist Josh Gracin left what appeared to be a suicide note on Facebook. Many people recognized this as a cry for help and reported it. Gracin was then taken to the hospital and after being released, checked himself into treatment.

Many people deal with mental illness, whether it be depression or anxiety, or any of the many others that affect so many lives. It is hard to admit you have a mental illness. The symptoms and side effects that can come with them can be hard to deal with and sometimes even embarrassing. When you can recognize something is wrong or unusual with the way you’ve been acting or feeling, it is time to reach out for help.

Help doesn’t mean going to the doctor right away. Sometimes, just talking about how you’re feeling can help. Other times, if things are more severe, you should see a health professional so you can receive the proper help.

If you notice someone else who is acting out of the ordinary, reach out to them and let them know you are concerned. Sometimes, even giving them the acknowledgement that you care can help them feel better.

No matter what the circumstance is, no one should feel the need to take their life due to the way they are feeling. There are people willing to help anyone who needs it. As hard as life can get sometimes, it gets better and it’s worth living for.

 

Albert Lea resident Erin Murtaugh is a 2014 graduate of Albert Lea High School. She can be reached at murtaugh.erin@gmail.com.