Helpful In Its Own Way

In the US, more so than in many other countries, we live in a "star culture." We identify with and idolize celebrity. The world could be going to hell in a handbasket, yet a lot of people would ignore it and show far more concern with what Lady Gaga says or Mel Gibson does! Yes, we Americans love our glitz, sensationalism and gossip.

Because we focus so much of our attention on the rich and famous, it can be informative when a celebrity admits to a human foible. Posthumously, fans of the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers learned that popular meteorologist Matt Hughes struggled with lifelong depression and this was the precipitating factor in his suicide attempt (which led to his death).

While promoting his soon-to-be-released memoir, hall of fame basketball legend Jerry West has revealed that he too has battled depression his entire life.

When we learn that our beloved celebrity figures deal with the same kinds of fears and anxieties that we commoners do, it provides a bridge to understanding that we all share many things in common. We each have demons we battle. We each go through ups and downs. We each struggle internally with our own set of ghosts.

Though we might like to think otherwise, riches and fame don't act as shields.