To the Journal editor:

As an advocate for the mentally ill, realizing our culture is in a time when recent coverage around Robin’s William’s death could become a teachable moment, I have deep concern around media happenings of late.

It was reported that Robin Williams committed suicide. Extremely concerning was the inappropriate and sensational need to reveal specific, graphic details around his death. Such reports play to the lowest gutter level of morbid curiosity, and are mislabeled as news.

Sadly this kind of reporting leaves grieving loved ones ashamed and guilt ridden. It contributes to the awful stigma of mental illness.

We also read of the death of another celebrity. “Lauren Bacall died of a stroke.” We know what disease caused her death. Why should it be different when a life is lost from a brain disease? The media could and should have offered the same respect with the headline reading, “Tragically Robin Williams died as a result of depression.”

A stroke occurs when a clot prevents blood from flowing to the brain. Depression occurs when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Both conditions can be fatal diseases.

Words are powerful. It is absurd, illogical and harmful to exploit the word suicide to describe a death caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Perhaps we need to have a moratorium on the word “suicide.”

With hope for greater awareness, read the front page story in the Marquette, Michigan Mining Journal, Aug. 13. “Depression, More Than Just a Bad Day.” Justin Marietti helps us understand what caused Robin’s death and the deaths of many others who suffered from a chemical imbalance in the brain.

He took the time to interview those who suffered from depression and those who understand it. Justin, we thank God for your journalism. It validates the fact that our daughter, Stephanie, fought valiantly against a disease that in her case, as well as many others, could not be healed.

Herb, Sandy Grenke

Marquette