Victimizing

People don't generally appreciate another (person) claiming to be a victim. It comes off a whiny and weak.

Of course it's different when we (or someone close to us) is victimized.

When a Jewish person mentions how they come from a heritage which suffered one of the worst attrocities in history are they "playing the victim", or pointing out historical fact?

When a woman talks about being raped, is she "victimizing" herself, or telling us about a heinous crime?

When an adult mle mentions his depression making his life a living hell, is he "playing victim", or sharing his feelings?

By the way, if you think these examples are exaggerated, I suggest you go tell that to Walter Koenig and other parents of adult males who have committed suicide.

Some would say that a person is "playing victim" when they expect something from others.

That may be true IN SOME CASES, but I believe the rape victim has every right to expect help in the form of medical attention, legal advice, and extra protection.

Why then is the adult male (often) perceived as "playing the victim" (IE. weak) when discussing the difficulties his depression bring about?

In an ironic twist, the family and friends of an adult male are accepted as "victims" after he commits suicide.

What are we waiting for? Continued...

Below is an article explaining the recent suicide of singer Marie Osmond's 18-year old son who was suffering from depression.

What kind of society are we that we just accept such tragedies, and even comfort (IE. Bury our heads in the sand) ourselves by thinking "it can't happen to us"?

Is it more/less important because it happened to a celebrity, of course not. The celebrity aspect is strictly because that's what we, as a society, want to hear about.

What is important is that depression kills, but it also treatable (as long as it's not made out to be something to be ashamed of!!). We ALL need to educate ourselves on what depression is, and how to cope with it.

Whether a sufferer or not, it is EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US' responsibility to be courageous enough to overcome our misconceptions about depression and mental illness, and finally be cognizant of what it really is,, and what we can do to combat it and prevent future events like this one from occuring.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/100228/entertainment/centertainment_us_osmond

What are we waiting for?

Below is an article on the recent passing of Andrew Koenig, actor and son of Star Trek actor Walter Koenig.

The story explains how Andrew was suffering depression, and it is what eventually got the best of him.

The Koenig family did what they could, but the limited available services made it impossible for Andrew and his family to make the seriousness of the situation known.

This must not become another "sad story" and be left for not.

Depression is real, it kills people, and does not discriminate; men, women, young, old, rich , poor.....And we are all victims, whether as sufferers or friends / family of sufferers.




http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100225/entertainment/koenig_disappearance