Mental illness is closely related to suicide. As high as 90% of people who take their own lives suffer from mental illness. Depression associated with substance abuse is a major risk factor in suicidal death. Psychosis may also lead to suicide.All celebrities mentioned in this article suffered from some sort of mental illness.
VAN GOGH
Van Gogh once said he had about 5 to 10 years to live. Vincent was admitted to an Asylum in May 1889 because of deteriorating mental health. He had started halucinating and suffered attacks of unconsciousness.
His last painting was ‘At Eternity’s Gate’. The painting shows the pain Van Gogh was going through.
MARILYN MONROE
For many years Golden Globe award winner Marilyn Monroe had been struggling with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. She was also dependent on drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines and alcohol. Marilyn was admitted to a mental ward for sometime. Her three marriages failed in a short span of time.
Marilyn Monroe quote
ERNST HEMINGWAY
Ernest Hemingway was one of the greatest writers. He won the Nobel prize and the Pulitzer prize. On the outside he seemed to have it all. A solid marriage,good friends and wealth beyond the means of an average person.But looking closely he was suffering from several physical and mental health issues such as cirrhosis of liver, heart disease ,diabetes and depression.
He became delusional and paranoid towards his end and was hospitalized for mental health issues.
Death in the Afternoon
Book by Ernest Hemingway
ROBIN WILLIAMS
Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams was suffering from several physical and mental health issues. He was facing problems seeing, sleeping ,urinating and digesting food. He was suffering from anxiety disorders. He sometimes froze wherever he stood. He lost a lot of weight. When he was not working he was subdued and went into a shell. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His antipsychotic medications made his conditions worse. He was not able to judge the position of things and used to bang himself.Robin was also extremely ashamed of divorcing Marsha – mother of his beloved children and remarrying.His autopsy report mentioned he had a brain disease called Lewy Body dementia.
Robin with his wife Marsha.
PREVENTION OF SUICIDE
Patients who commit suicide have often talked about taking their own life. These threats should always be taken seriously.Asking about suicide and inquiring about the ways, means and time of committing suicide will relieve the anxiety of the patient.
The patient will feel better understood and as if a burden has been offloaded his shoulder.Treatment of underlying mental disorder as soon as possible ,providing hope and encouragement will prevent the person from taking the extreme step.
