Zelda Williams to those who suffer depression: 'Hold on to the possibility of hope'

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There's no better way to celebrate Suicide Prevention Month this September than to honor those who have lost their battle with depression and anxiety, and help raise awareness on mental health. Pioneer News reports that according to the latest data, around 100 people commit suicide every day. Moreover, they report that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause for death in America, six ranks higher than homicide.

"There’s a significant body of research that demonstrates that individuals suffering from anxiety disorders and depression face an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts," said Dr. Mark Pollack, president of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and Grainger professor as well as the chair of Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

This September marks a little over a year the world lost one of the best comedic minds of the last several decades. In August 2014, it was reported that Robin Williams was found dead in his home in Tiburon, California. CNN reported in November that his death was officially ruled a suicide, according to the coroner in Marin County, California. The report indicated that alcohol and drugs were not involved, however, Williams' widow, Susan Schneider, admitted that he had been struggling with depression, anxiety, and early stages of Parkinson's disease.

In February, the late actor's daughter, Zelda Williams, spoke up about her father's sudden death for the first time. Rolling Stone reports that according to Zelda, "There's no point questioning it and no point blaming anyone for it and there’s no point blaming yourself or the world or whatever the case may be because it happened and you have to continue to move and you have to continue to live and manage."

A year later, People reports that the 26-year-old once again honors her father with an inspiring Instagram post that urges people to enlighten themselves about mental illnesses and its effects.

"I came to a realization this year that I feel compelled to share here, for whomsoever may need it: Avoiding fear, sadness or anger is not the same thing as being happy," Williams wrote via her Instagram account. "I live my sadness every day, but I don't resent it anymore. Instead, I do it now so that the wonderful moments of joy I do find are not in order to forget, but to inhabit and enjoy for their own sake. It's not easy. In fact, I'd say it takes much more effort to consciously do than it does to just stay sad, but with all my heart, I cannot tell you how worth it it is."

She added: "And for those suffering from depression, I know how dark and endless that tunnel can feel, but if happiness seems impossible to find, please hold on to the possibility of hope, faint though it may be. Because I promise you, there's enough nights under the same yellow moon for all of us to share, no matter how or when you find your way there."

If you or your friend is suffering from depression and are at risk for self-harm, log on to suicide.org to find out the hotline numbers for your area.