Henry Rollins Writes Editorial Against Suicide, References Robin Williams’ Death

henry rollins

Henry Rollins sure knows how to stir up some controversy, doesn’t he?

Rollins has been around for quite some time. He also happens to be a very opinionated individual. While fans usually find themselves agreeing with him on most issues, it seems that his recent editorial with LA Weekly may turn some people off. He wrote a rather lengthy opinion piece about suicide, and he pulls no punches. Referring to Robin Williams’ untimely passing, as well as some people he knew personally, he states that he can’t understand why someone who has kids to think of would choose to end their own lives. You can read a snippet of what he wrote below, and the full article here.

How in the hell could you possibly do that to your children? I don’t care how well adjusted your kid might be — choosing to kill yourself, rather than to be there for that child, is every shade of awful, traumatic and confusing. I think as soon as you have children, you waive your right to take your own life. No matter what mistakes you make in life, it should be your utmost goal not to traumatize your kids. So, you don’t kill yourself.

I know some people will disagree. And I get that you can’t understand anyone else’s torment. All that “I feel your pain” stuff is bullshit and disrespectful. You can appreciate it, listen and support someone as best you can, but you can’t understand it. Depression is so personal and so unique to each of us that when you’re in its teeth, you think you invented it. You can understand your own, but that’s it. When you are severely depressed, it can be more isolating than anything else you have ever experienced. In trying to make someone understand, you can only speak in approximation. You are truly on your own.

Both comments and pings are currently closed.

One Response to “Henry Rollins Writes Editorial Against Suicide, References Robin Williams’ Death”

  1. Derek - UTG Review says:

    Curious to see where people stand on this. I’m an enormous fan of Henry Rollins. Even if I don’t agree with everything he wrote in his editorial, I’ll defend his right to say it. If people aren’t familiar with him, this interview with Pharrell is a good crash course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng0F9LQvFcI