WHY DID ROBIN WILLIAMS KILL HIMSELF?

ROBIN WILLIAMS’ DEATH MAKES PUBLIC 
THE USUALLY PRIVATE AGONY OF SUICIDE

www.mercurynews.com - Anytime someone takes their own life, a circle of heartbroken family and friends are left struggling with a question of haunting simplicity: Why? Now, in the wake of the news that comedian Robin Williams committed suicide at age 63, an entire world linked by social media has been left trying to process why a successful and widely admired man could become so overwhelmed by despair that he felt compelled to commit suicide. 
Williams' death undoubtedly has affected the public in such a profound way because of his ability to make us all feel as if we really knew him. And while mental health experts say the reasons for suicide are complex, the outpouring of raw emotion this week has made it easier to discuss a sensitive topic that has touched so many.

“More people die of suicide than in car accidents or of breast cancer each year,” said Julie Cerel, the board chair of the American Association of Suicidology. “Twice as many people die of suicides than homicides. But nobody talks about it.” But while he was a one-of-a-kind entertainer, Williams now sadly shares commonalities with others who commit suicide. Men are three-to-four times more likely to take their own lives than women. Also, suicides among middle-aged men are rising. Overall, it is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 39,518 suicides in 2011 - or an average of 108 a day. 
Williams’ third wife, revealed a crucial reason of Robin’s suicide: He was suffering from depression, anxiety and Parkinson’s Disease. “Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” she said.

Robin Williams’ death has shocked the world and ignited a national debate in the USA about how people respond publicly to suicide. Williams was depressed, his publicist said on Monday, and he has admitted to substance abuse problems, two notorious risk factors for suicide. However, Robin Williams' wife revealed Thursday that at the time of his death, the late comedian was not only battling depression and anxiety but the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. Williams was in an increasingly high-risk group for what some health care professionals have deemed a silent epidemic: “middle-age suicide”. Depression is a clinical sickness. It is much more than feeling sad and it is not a sign of weakness, say health professionals. And also, receiving a positive diagnosis for Parkinson’s can be devastating. It’s a chronic disease that progressively worsens, causing formerly competent men and women to gradually lose control of their own bodies. Beyond the reasons in this particular case, suicide is also more common that many people think. Americans are more likely to die by suicide than in a car accident. The suicide rate among Americans 45 to 64 has jumped more than 30 percent in the last decade, according to the CDC, and it’s possible to slice the data more finely than that. Our spiritual masters have taught us to accept all difficulties in life and see them as an opportunity to mature in life and to take shelter of God which will make us mentally and spiritually strong. Therefore, we should not commit suicide because this birth is an opportunity to use this human body to escape from this material entanglement and attain the highest goal of life divine. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

This human life is so valuable that with it we can take the path of the highest divine conception. [...] If we can use this human life in a valuable way, we can acquire the key by which to become free from the whole chain of life in this troublesome world. We can get rid of the bondage of all sorts of physical and mental troubles. The key is here, in this human form of life. Jiva Goswami says that lower life-forms have insufficient understanding to realize the highest truth. And in the higher life-forms, such as demigods, because previously acquired energy or karma has accumulated on all sides, the chief enjoying elements are surrounding the living being. It is difficult to escape the charm of those influences and begin the prospect of a fresh life in a higher plane of consciousness.

Śrīla Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Mahārāja :
“The Golden Volcano of Divine Love”
Part 3 “Conclusion - A Drop of Divine Love”
Section: “Let us Take Poison ...”
http://bvml.org/SBRSM/index.htm
Bhaktivedanta Memorial Library

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

MIDDLE-AGED SUICIDE RATE UP SHARPLY IN US

US SUICIDE RATE ROSE
SHARPLY AMONG MIDDLE-AGED

http://abcnews.go.com - The suicide rate among middle-aged Americans climbed a startling 28 % in a decade, a period that included the recession and the mortgage crisis, the government reported. The trend was most pronounced among white men and women in that age group. Their suicide rate jumped 40 % between 1999 and 2010. But the rates in younger and older people held steady. And there was little change among blacks, Hispanics and other ethnic groups.
Why did so many middle-aged whites - that is, those who are 35 to 64 years old - take their own lives? One theory suggests the recession caused more emotional trauma in whites, who tend not to have the same kind of church support and extended families that blacks and Hispanics do. Another theory notes that white have always had higher rates of depression and suicide, when they come to middle age.

During the 1999-2010 period, suicide went from the eighth leading cause of death among middle-aged Americans to the fourth, behind cancer, heart disease and accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the report, which was based on death certificates. People ages 35 to 64 account for about 57 % of suicides. For the entire U.S. population, there were 38,350 suicides in 2010, making it the nation's 10th leading cause of death, the CDC said. The overall national suicide rate has increased by 15 %. 
Suicide prevention efforts have tended to concentrate on teenagers and the elderly, but research over the past several years has begun to focus on the middle-aged. The new CDC report is being called the first to show how the trend is playing out nationally and to look in depth at the racial and geographic breakdown. The suicide rate registered a statistically significant increase in 39 out of 50 states. The West and the South had the highest suicide rates.

Suicide rates among middle-age Americans have risen sharply in the past decade, prompting concern that a generation who have faced years of economic worry and easy access to prescription painkillers may be particularly vulnerable to self-inflicted harm. Mike Stobbe, medical writer from AP, explains that this report contained information about how middle-aged people kill themselves: During the period studied, hangings overtook drug overdoses in that age group, becoming the No. 2 manner of suicide, whereas guns remained as the first instrument of death in nearly half of all suicides among the middle-aged in 2010. We should not commit suicide because we can use this human body to escape from this material entanglement and attain the highest goal of life divine.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

This human life is so valuable that with it we can take the path of the highest divine conception. ... If we can use this human life in a valuable way, we can acquire the key by which to become free from the whole chain of life in this troublesome world. We can get rid of the bondage of all sorts of physical and mental troubles. The key is here, in this human form of life. Jiva Goswami says that lower life-forms have insufficient understanding to realize the highest truth. And in the higher life-forms, such as demigods, because previously acquired energy or karma has accumulated on all sides, the chief enjoying elements are surrounding the living being. It is difficult to escape the charm of those influences and begin the prospect of a fresh life in a higher plane of consciousness.

Śrīla Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Mahārāja :
“The Golden Volcano of Divine Love”
Part 3 “Conclusion - A Drop of Divine Love”
Section: “Let us Take Poison ...”
http://bvml.org/SBRSM/index.htm
Bhaktivedanta Memorial Library

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

MAN COMMITTED SUICIDE AT A NASCAR RACE

NASCAR SUICIDE: RACING FAN

SHOOTS HIMSELF DEAD AT RACE

www.inquisitr.com - A NASCAR fan committed suicide during Saturday night’s NRA 500 Sprint Cup Race at Texas Motor Speedway. The incident happened on the racetrack infield as the stock car race was coming to a close. Details of the death were not initially reported, though police later said the injury was self-inflicted. The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office released a statement on Sunday about the fan’s death. They confirmed the suicide, saying that the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Fort Worth police stated that the man, Kirk Franklin, 42, was camping in the infield for the race. 
He allegedly shot himself after getting into an argument with other campers. It is believed that alcohol may have played a role in his death. The death happened in or around a pickup truck in the infield near the middle of the backstretch. Police blocked off the area around the incident and investigators were seen looking into a truck after the race.

There was no word on Franklin’s relationship with the people he was arguing with. He died around 10:30 pm local time. The suicide during the NRA 500 will likely spark a larger debate within NASCAR over the security at racetracks. Texas law prohibits firearms from being brought into the track by fans. The sport was already criticized for having the NRA (National Rifle Association) sponsor the event. 
The same sport saw at least one driver remember the victims of Newtown, Connecticut during the Daytona 500. But while NASCAR’s sponsors don’t typically spark a national, political debate, Saturday’s sponsorship did. The NRA title sponsorship of the Texas race was negotiated by the speedway, not by NASCAR. In addition to a possible change in sponsorship, it is possible that the NASCAR fan’s suicide will cause increased security at race tracks.

In the USA, a racing fan by name Kirk Franklin shot himself and committed suicide in the infield of a National Rifle Association-sponsored NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway. Police are still investigating the suicide. But they believe that it resulted from an argument that broke out between Franklin and several other people watching the race from the infield. Alcohol may have also been a factor. A medical examiner confirmed that the 42-year-man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His body was reportedly found in the back seat of a truck. Some people kill themselves openly, but unfortunately, the rest of the people commit suicide without even knowing they are doing it.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Guest: Oh, do you see that tower? Students here have been known to jump from it. Actually, at schools all over the country, a growing number of students are committing suicide.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes. They are openly committing suicide, and the rest of the people are covertly committing suicide. This man who found out how to construct an atom bomb he's thinking that now his life is successful. But if he doesn't use his human life for trying to become spiritually realized, he is committing suicide.
Guest: How's that?
Srila Prabhupada: Because he won't be able to save himself from his own death and rebirth.

Śrīla A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda :
"A Suicidal Civilization"
Morning Walk on the Berkeley Campus
University of California, July 1975
http://backtogodhead.in/a-suicidal-civilization/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

YOUNG MAN KILLED HIMSELF DUE TO BULLYING

SUICIDE NOTE OF BULLIED MAN 20
PUBLISHED BY PARENTS AFTER HIS DEATH

www.dailymail.co.uk - The parents of a trainee teacher who killed himself because he had been bullied for years over his sexuality have published their son's suicide note in a local newspaper. Tim Ribberink, who was training to become a history teacher, killed himself last Thursday following years of bullying. But the decision by his parents Gerrit and Hetty Ribberink to publish their son's suicide note  has divided opinion in the Netherlands. 
In the newspaper, the suicide note is published along with Tim's death notice and a large smiling picture of him. It reads: “Dear Mum and Dad, All my life I have been ridiculed, abused, bullied and excluded. You guys are fantastic. I hope you’re not angry. Until we meet again, Tim.” His devastated parents, from Tilligte, east of Amsterdam, said they were not aware that there son was struggling to cope until he killed himself last Thursday. 

According to Irish Times.com, his parents have now asked police to investigate his death and in particular, to look at two fake messages which were posted in his name online. One of the messages dates back to 2010 with the second appearing last summer. It read: “I am a loser and a homo”. The parents are now hoping the police will be able to identify the bullies by investigating the fake messages. The decision by Tim's parents to publish the suicide note led to a massive reaction on Twitter. Despite some negative comments, the majority of posts supported the parents' decision to publish the note. Many called for tougher laws to deal with bulling. 
Within hours of the story about Tim's death emerging, his photograph was shared more than 5,000 times. The Twitter hashtag #timribberink has also been trending in the Netherlands. Last night, an emotional funeral took place at the Catholic church in Tilligte. Hundreds of friends and family attended, with many still shocked and angry about his death.

Bob van der Meer, a psychologist who specializes in the issues surrounding bullying, explains that “The suicide of Tim Ribberink just the tip of the iceberg and there are many children running around with suicidal thoughts because they are being bullied”. Ten percent of Dutch children and adolescents would be mobbed. “Pesten call” the Dutchman said aptly: Words are the victims often contaminated and can not resist. “But you can do something,” says van der Meer. Since 2006, schools have to keep a log of bullying, a “pest” protocol. But that was not enough: “We are shaken by such a case, but then nothing happens,” he adds. “Bullying makes you insecure and lonely. You really suicidal.” Again, while you're reading this, another child or teenager is being abused by his or her classmates or by internet. Say NO to bullying!

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The alarming rise of bullying in the schools ... inspired me to address bullying with an educationally-based yoga program during the school-day curriculum to teach ahimsa - nonviolence to self and others. I set up a pilot study to determine if yoga would result in a decrease in bullying. And it did. ... There is a huge need for this type of education for kids. With the constant advancement in technology, kids and teens are continually bombarded with external stimuli. ... The CK system teaches children how to balance their lives and how to communicate effectively. Students do not ask for asanas (yoga postures); they do ask for relaxation, concentration or conflict resolution scenarios. It is the lifestyle of yoga that sparks their interest. Yoga is an enjoyable way to learn self-reflection, introspection, and relaxation, which most children greatly appreciate. It helps them to counterbalance their reaction to the busy world they live in.

Ms Dee Marie, MA :
“Bullying Can Be Stopped With Yoga”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-schware/yoga-bullying_b_1867274.html
CK - Calming Kids - Creating a Non-Violent World
www.calmingkidsyoga.org  -  facebook.com/calmingkidsyoga

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

CYBER-BULLYING: AMANDA TODD SUICIDE

AMANDA TODD: BULLIED TEEN
MADE VIDEO BEFORE HER SUICIDE

www.people.com - Amanda Todd's mother Carol thought the 15-year-old had finally rounded the corner. After three years of relentless cyber bullying, the Vancouver, B.C., teenager had enrolled in a new school, found a group of supportive friends and appeared to have put her pain-filled past behind her. But Carol's optimism was shattered on Oct. 12 when her daughter's body was discovered at their home after she apparently took her own life. Amanda's death came just weeks after she had posted a wrenching YouTube video detailing her struggle with suicidal feelings and depression after being ostracized at school and tormented on Facebook when a stalker began distributing topless pictures of her online. The tenth-grade cheerleader doesn't speak in the 9-minute video, but holds up a series of papers on which she has hand-printed her story. “In 7th grade I would go with friends on webcam,” read the card. She quickly reveals that online strangers began telling her how beautiful and stunning she looked. “They wanted me to flash. So I did one year later,” another card detailed. 

Not long after that, she received a Facebook message from a stranger who threatened to post her topless pictures unless she revealed more of herself. Police eventually showed up at her house, informing her that the photographs were being distributed on the Internet. “I then got really sick anxiety major depression and panic disorder. I then moved and got into alcohol and drugs,” she wrote on another card. Despite switching schools multiple times, Amanda was shunned by other students and even beaten. Her cyber stalker followed her even when she changed schools and tried to turn other students against her. Amanda once attempted suicide by drinking bleach, began cutting herself and was rushed to the hospital on several occasions after overdosing. Her last card read: “I have nobody. I need someone. My name is Amanda Todd.” Amanda's mother says she doesn't know what finally pushed her daughter, who underwent treatment and counseling at a hospital in September, over the edge. But the answer may be contained in a video message she left on her phone shortly before her death.

Fifteen-year-old Amanda Todd was harassed, bullied and allegedly blackmailed until she slipped into a battle with depression and anxiety. This ultimately led to her committing suicide. “Amanda Todd’s video was a cry for help for her and for her generation, and saying, you know, 'Look at me. We need help. We need help in dealing with how to be in technology, how to use these technologies and even to come back to common values on how to be with each other,” says cyber bullying expert Julia Hengstler. While you're reading this - again - a child or teenager is being abused by his or her classmates or by internet. Say NO to bullying!

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The alarming rise of bullying in the schools ... inspired me to address bullying with an educationally-based yoga program during the school-day curriculum to teach ahimsa - nonviolence to self and others. I set up a pilot study to determine if yoga would result in a decrease in bullying. And it did. ... There is a huge need for this type of education for kids. With the constant advancement in technology, kids and teens are continually bombarded with external stimuli. ... Students of all ages love yoga. It is fun and very relaxing. The CK system teaches children how to balance their lives and how to communicate effectively. Students do not ask for asanas (yoga postures); they do ask for relaxation, concentration or conflict resolution scenarios. It is the lifestyle of yoga that sparks their interest. Yoga is an enjoyable way to learn self-reflection, introspection, and relaxation, which most children greatly appreciate. It helps them to counterbalance their reaction to the busy world they live in.

Ms Dee Marie, MA :
“Bullying Can Be Stopped With Yoga”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-schware/yoga-bullying_b_1867274.html
CK - Calming Kids - Creating a Non-Violent World
www.calmingkidsyoga.org  -  facebook.com/calmingkidsyoga

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/