This week Hollywood mourns the loss of two of its more famous celebrities. Even in the midst of trouble in Ukraine and the Middle East and riots in Missouri, news broadcasts and social media have focused on these two very different deaths.

Lauren Bacall stared in many notable movies and received an Honorary Academy Award in 2009 in recognition of her work. She died of natural causes just one month prior to her 90th birthday.

On the other hand, the world was shocked to hear of Robin Williams’ suicide at age 63. We wonder how someone who was so jovial could end his life because of deep depression. It was well known that, for much of his career, he suffered from bouts of depression and struggled with alcohol and drug addiction.

In 2006, he sought treatment when he relapsed after 20 years of sobriety. More recently, he had gone into treatment for depression.

Many are using Mr. Williams’ death as a means to bring more attention to mental illness. They are hopeful that it will encourage more people to seek the help they need to counteract depression.

Christians can also suffer from depression. We experience tragedies, set-backs, death of loved ones and the other stresses of living. Yet we have a resource others do not – a Heavenly Father who deeply cares for us. If you are suffering perhaps now would be a good time to read our study aid, Why Am I Suffering?

Anthony Wasilkoff