Firstly, this is not a put down to anyone who has posted about how Anthony Bourdain has positively effected their lives, or how much they will miss his candidly clever content. No matter how someone dies, everyone has the right to mourn the loss. I am just tired of seeing everyone celebrate those who lose the battle with mental illness. Those who give up. The quitters.
I’d like to honor the people that fight a range of mental illnesses every day and get’er done. They show up to work. They pick their kids up from school. They do the housework. They take care of family and friends needs as well as their own. They are the winners.
Whenever a celebrity commits suicide, everyone honors them and their battle with depression and other mental illnesses. It bothers me. And no, this doesn’t mean I am heartless. I just don’t think it sets a good example for those battling their symptoms every day. Nobody should ever think for a moment that giving up is okay. When it comes to life, you must never, ever, ever, ever give up.
Our world is filled with external and internal stresses. Those with mental illness have a much tougher time dealing with these day-to-day struggles. It doesn’t matter how much success, money or fame you have. No amount of love from friends and family can fix your illness. Mental illness is like battling an incurable virus or addiction. It’s always there, even when you don’t feel it.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that we openly shame those that have taken their own life. I just feel that when we see someone who has quit, we should remember those who continue to fight through their pain and see the value in life. We should honor their strength and commitment to life.
I’m sure everyone knows someone that suffers from depression. Again, I have nothing against the posting of Bourdain quotes today. I just ask that you also take the time to thank a loved one who fights hard every day to stay in this world and not be a quitter.
megan jane stewart 