Can't beleive that there is seriously a post about some guy that commited suicide, on DDF
This is a problematic - and unfortunately very prevalent - attitude.
Suicide is a tragedy. In this case, it seems to have been caused by a debilitating illness - depression.
All too often, especially in the broader "frum" community, suicide, depression and other mental illnesses are hushed and stigmatized. A depressed person is not "crazy" or "not normal." Depression is an illness, just like the flu. It can be treated, and we should, as a community, be more supportive and helpful towards those suffering from it. While I fully understand that when a frum person commits suicide we wouldn't want to put the family in the spotlight, and we should allow them to grieve in peace and privacy, a celebrity is a tragic opportunity to highlight an issue which plagues so many.
Whatever your views on his vulgarity, Robin Williams was an absolutely hilarious person, and yet even he suffered from this debilitating, and clearly deadly sickness.
Depression is not "being sad" or feeling down, it is much worse and affects so many. Seeking therapeutic or psychiatric help should not be something which distances someone from the community - it should be strongly encouraged.
For anyone who needs help - here is a great place to start:
www.reliefhelp.orgHere is a quick video to help understand a bit more about depression:
Apologies for hijacking the thread.