REMEMBERING ROBIN WILLIAMS
The beloved actor, comedian and local San Francisco Bay Area resident Robin Williams died a year from today on August 11, 2014. Despite his absence, Robin Williams leaves an everlasting presence through movies and characters that brought the world much joy and laughter. With his passing, he also brought mental health issues to the national spotlight with his daughter Zelda Williams carrying on the message. In October 2014, Zelda Williams tweeted, “Mental health IS as important as physical health, & whether there are visible signs or not, the suffering is real. It can affect EVERYONE.”
Suicide is a public health issue for our community. In 2009-2011, an average of 3,853 people died by suicide in California and 63 people died by suicide in San Mateo County (CDPH). Research has shown that 90% of people who died by suicide have mental health illness (NAMI).
Like other public health issues, suicide is preventable. We all have a part to prevent suicide by learning how to recognize the warning signs and refer people to the appropriate services. Learn more at http://www.suicideispreventable.org.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, you can call the local Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center (StarVista) at 650-579-0350 (or 1-800-273-TALK). This is a free, confidential, non-judgmental, 24-hour crisis line that provides suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources.
Sources
Click to access OHIRProfiles2013.pdf
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Suicide
http://abc7news.com/entertainment/comedian-robin-williams-dead-at-age-63/253217/
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