Listen and be Heard

“Listen easy, you can hear God calling, walking barefoot by the stream”…

I know it’s just a song, but the lyric is prophetic. Elvis is just reminding us to be still and listen deep within ourselves.

The tragic and senseless death of Robin Williams gives me pause to consider what his pain must have been. A comedic genius who gave pleasure to countless strangers. Who, himself, suffered in silence. An advocate for sobriety, who fought an endless fight.

A man who screamed for help with a whisper.

Mental illness is a conundrum in this continent. Society is all about “Ask for help, we’ll support you”, the sufferer is “I’m ok, leave me be”. More often than not, a person in despair is “formed” and set in a cell whilst awaiting a 10 minute assessment followed by a 72 hour stay in hospital. I can see both sides and have been on one more often than I’d like to admit.

For the sufferers’ protection they are taken into care and comfort by Her Majesty’s law. Basically, if one is believed to be a threat to themselves or others, one is taken into custody and cannot leave. Been there, done that, and I agree – in principle.

From the sufferers’ standpoint, they’ve just had the worst day of their life get remarkably worse. All they want to do is go home, go to a mate’s, go to a pub, be anywhere than where they are. Then a door slams shut and is locked. They’ve not committed a crime, nor been charged with any, but they are held against their will for “their own good”.

“Why didn’t Mr. Williams ask for help, he had all the money in the world”???

Because, to the inexperienced, asking for help is the most risky thing one does. Appearing weak or out of control, no matter your financial situation, goes against everything a man stands for. Because, if one has had help once, it’s easier to write oneself off as hopeless.

Why did Mr. Williams choose death over recovery? No one will ever know.

What can we learn as a society? Many things.

Learn the signs of a coworker, spouse or mate slipping into depression. Accept addiction and depression are true illnesses, not “passing fads”. Accept people will not ask for help, but be there to offer it.

And, never give up… Ever.

Acceptance

So, I haven’t blogged much recently. I’ve been not sure what to write about. I’m certain it wasn’t an angry blast, nor a gratitude rant. I wanted to say something…well, real.

Frankly, I’m not sure what that is yet.

My life has endured significant change of yet. I’ve changed and come back to the same job, we’ve purchased a new home, we’ve dealt with kids issues of changing neighbourhoods. All life stuff.

We’ ve endured the tragedy of my uncle’s passing, I’ve survived my public ‘shun’ at the funeral.

Through all of this I’ve learned the quality of peace, the contentment of laughter.

I know there are people who feign care for me who really do not care. I’ve blessed them for their conviction to their feelings. I know there are people I will never please:

I am finally a peace with this. I accept I’ve let people down, that I’ve never been what has been expected of me.

Am I a doctor? No. A pharmacist? No.

A lowly mechanic? Yep! And a damn good one. I had opportunity to speak to some colleagues this week who remember my name and my good reputation. I was honoured to be recalled in such a fashion.

Where have I gone with this? Just a grateful acceptance of where I am, a well intentioned prayer to those who aren’t my biggest fan. And a hope that I may be blessed further with my loving family.

May peace find all who seek it.