In a conversation about Robin Williams, it was brought up that while the spot light is shining today, in a year the light will have long moved on. And, it will leave back in the darkness, those who struggle with darkness...alone.
It appears that we can't bear to be with such negativity for too long.
Just as I thought Penn State was going to open the flood gates for so much social change...for it to be the event that changed things for victims. It was a loud splash, but the lake has returned to its usual calm.
How much truly changed with Penn State?
How much will Robin Williams death change things for those who suffer like him?
What is the "Thing" we are all waiting for?
What do we expect of those who turn away?
What can a person whose life reflects Robin's mental state say or do today, that will make a difference. If dying isn't the answer, than what is?
If exposing sexual abuse doesn't change the dynamics than what will?
We are at a place where the old hopes of change is dying. We need a new working model.
I had thought, that by speaking out, folks would hear...they don't. I thought if they heard, than changes would automatically follow, they don't.
So, it leaves us all to ponder what will work.
What do those who suffer severe depression need that will cause them to reach out instead of end their lives? What is this magic thing?
What will make folks turn away from those who abuse, instead of staying in relationships? What will it take for parents to realize that their children are in grave danger as long as they refuse to see and hold abusers accountable?
It appears, at least to me, that we as a society are challenged to come up with ways to embrace the darkness of depression in a way that accepts and honors it as a tangible disease of untrue thoughts.
The challenge I believe between these two "Depression" and "Sexual Abuse".
One...depression is believing things that are not true...and the other is to believe things that are.
Both are states of denial of reality.
And it begs me to consider that the more we can stay with reality, and accept what is, the less abrassive life will be...and the easier it will be to live your truth.
When the depressed have to surpress and hide their darkness...by putting on a happy face, when victims of abuse are made to stick with families or be shunned and left alone...we are setting the stage for pretend living.
My dream society would be for all to be able to be themselves, no matter what that looks like. For it to be honorable to be truthful and for it to be accepted.
While many sat and laughed with Robin Williams, how many would have been able to sit with his tears?
