Inside Life In Depression
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As emotional tributes pour in for after the death of actor and comedian, Robin Williams, there is also a question as to why he committed suicide…
With Depression being a factor in his death, Alabama News Network is looking deeper into the illness and speaking to an expert and a victim who is trying to move forward.
They’re tough conversations to discuss — mental health; depression; suicide.
It’s when tragedy takes place, like the death of Robin Williams, that mental health is in the lime-light. But for one mental health expert in Montgomery those conversations happen often.
Not one phone call.
Or two.
But about 15 phone calls a day — they’re all from people calling Mental Health America in Montgomery and asking for help on how to battle depression, even possible suicide. It’s a conversation Mental Health expert, Brittany Wiggins, says doesn’t happen enough for the many people struggling through it.
“And unfortunately, it takes some huge event like the death of a celebrity or his suicide to talk about it,” Said Wiggins.
It took Otis Boggs about 30 years to seek help himself. He has been diagnosed with Depression. He says he learned the hard way…
“I even really considered suicide, but I’m glad I held on in there, you know. I took an over-dose of pills and I cut my wrists one time,” Said Boggs.
And that’s the moment he realized he needed help, so he came to Mental Health America. While he’s getting the help and medication he needs now, he doesn’t want others to take the same route he did.
“Cry out to somebody. Find a support group that can help you better with depression. Don’t stay in the house and be isolated because it’ll get worse,” Said Boggs.
There are resources available…
Not only can you join Boggs and the “Friendship Club” at Mental Health America to socialize, talk to experts and do activities, you can also contact places like Catholic Social Services or the Samaritan Counseling Center.
If you’re worried about cost or insurance, experts say no worries — they’ll find a way for you to get help no matter what.
“We have several agencies here in the region that can provide that to people with little to no cost,” Said Wiggins.
So whether it’s actor Robin Williams’ suicide or your everyday person, Boggs wants to remind you of one thing: You never know what a person is going through so just keep it simple: be kind. You could be the reason a person pushes through the next day.
Thanks so much Catalina.
If you have questions about mental health, you can call mental health america at 262-5500.
WHERE DO I GO FOR HELP?
Alabama Department of Mental Health
www.mha.alabama.gov
24-Hour referral line
800-367-0955
Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority
www.mamha.org
Montgomery Co. 334-279-7830
Autauga Co. 334-356-2207
Elmore Co. 334-567-8408
Lowndes Co. 334-548-2578
Family Guidance Center
www.familyguidancecenter.org
334-270-4100
Grand View Behavioral Health Center
334-409-9242
Catholic Social Services
www.cssalabama.org
334-288-8890
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
800-273-TALK (8255)
Alabama State Suicide Prevention Information
334-206-5226
