Celebrity Worship And The “Copycat” Phenomenon

This psych news of February 7, 2018 starts by suggesting an increase in suicide came about after the media reported Robin Williams’ suicide.

Although Robin Williams was, as far as I have heard, a bipolar and a substance abuser, at least some people may have been influenced in choosing suicide by the fact Robin Williams chose it first.

I have plenty of patients and have met plenty of people who have shown what some psychologists call “celebrity worship syndrome.”

Me, I see (and know) people who simply fill lives that seem vacant with the belief that someone else has a better one.

Like one interviewee, Dr. Maltsby said,”It’s fine as long as it doesn’t take over your life.”

Suicide has got to be the most horrible solution to any of life’s problems. Media are not going to tell how horrible.

There are people out there who from some idea of emulation or validation of celebrity behavior, have decided to do this.

This is me begging everyone who has thought of this for any reason, not to do it.

Here is your great chance to be superior the celebrity whom you worship.

So at least in this case, please don’t.

Just don’t do it.

Talk to somebody. Now.

Preferably someone who can help.