I love this guy. Every movie he has made I have watched at least three times. He makes me laugh. He is a wonderful actor, and his timing is perfection. And, he obviously suffers from a deep depression. If he does, indeed, have a drug problem, that is secondary to the depression.
People who have untreated depression will do almost anything to make themselves feel better. And depression leads to suicide. That is how people with depression die. Many people can hide their depression quite well. They put on a happy face for their friends and family, and take it off when they are alone.
I've described my own depression as being in dark place, with no light, and no way out. It isn't a matter of "shaking it off, putting a smile on your face, or think of something else", it is a much deeper agony, that disrupts every aspect of your life. At times it is all you can do to get through the day.
For men, it seems to be an even greater burden to admit to having this disease. Because that is what it is. A disease. And you can take medication for it. Much as you would take medication for diabetes, or heart problems. The medication will correct certain chemical receptors in the brain. I know. It worked for me. It works for me everyday.
The stigma of depression or any mental health issue is still with us. With all of the crap going on today, we still gasp when we learn of someone who succumbs to the pain they feel. This stigma is what prevents so many from seeking help, from going to the family doctor and saying, I feel like I want to die, help me.
Depression is not something new. It just didn't spring up in the 60's or 70's. It's been around forever, usually called melancholia, then later on it fell under the blanket term neurosis. Now, there are a host of terms to describe depression, and a host of medications to help. Yes, they have side-effects, but most are mild, and go away within a few weeks.
I hope Mr. Wilson feels better, and finds a doctor who can help him. His movies, his acting, his existance in this world has given me a great deal of pleasure. And I thank him for that. But, more importantly, I hope he recovers fully. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen it, and embraced it.
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15 comments:
Thanks, Deb, for taking away the stigma.
I am Owen Wilson fan too many of his movies are in my favorites list.
It's doubly hard on him because now the whole world knows about what would normally be a family and friends only issue.
I hope he is able to get over this.
Oh Deb, you are the best! I made a decision this year to take my depression out of the closet. So much easier than trying to watch what I say and do in case someone gasps or turns away in discomfort.
My Dad drank from the time he went to war as a teenager until his death a couple of years ago. On his death bed, his new doctor recognized that he was depressed and learned that he had been since the war. PTSD leading to chronic depression. She put him on anti-depressants even tho' he passed away a couple of weeks later. The pills didn't have time to work.
I'm rambling on here but I had to.
Thanks for being you, Deb.
Deb - gmail or hotmail? I just sent to hotmail.
I hope Owen Wilson feels better. Sometimes a dramatic change in a person's life helps.
I'm glad medicines help you, but they aren't always right for everyone. Not all depression has has a medical cause.
Anne, I agree to a point. There are situational depressions, the loss of a loved one, job, lover, all of these cause sadness. But when sadness lingers, when it interfers with activities of daily living, to the point that you cannot function, then I think there is a biological factor involved.
Take exercise for example. I know for a fact that when I exercise everyday, I feel better. Why? It releases endorphins into the blood stream, a feel good chemical, that lifts our mood. Sunlight has the same effect.
What we know about the human brain is practically nothing, as compared to what we are and can learn. Medication saves lives. It does. Intervention saves lives. And that is our goal.
Deb, you are so right . i have been taking anti-depressants for 11 years. They really do help.
Man, Deb, you sure know your stuff...keep educating the people...
It's that stigma that prevents a lot of people from seeking help. I love Owen Wilson. You know, he's a pretty popular cool kinda dude, and I bet some folks with depression will follow in his footsteps. I hope.
Very helpful thanks..
Owen Wilson's nose looks like a penis.
Sorry to break the mood of the post, but it does.
Woozie, his nose does not look like a penis. It's just bent a little, and adds character to his features.
Just like my spreading ass does the same for me. Why all the little boys say beep beep when I walk backwards. Isn't that cute?
I love his movies and he is one hell of a guy. I wish him luck and peace while he is working on his issues.
I found this so sad. This was a very informative post Thank you. Hope all is well
I wasn't trying to be rude or offensive, I was making an observation because I wanted to say something but didn't know what to say because Owen Wilson movies don't interest me and I generally don't follow celebrity news. Sorry.
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