In the mist of this tragic death, I have never cried over a celebrity death until now. Robin Williams' death is truly devastating and heartbreaking. It hits close to home for me because like Robin, I suffer from severe depression. Just a couple weeks ago I was close to getting where Robin is today and I cried out for help almost everyday. This is a man who entertained us with laughter and made sure that all his friends were happy. But he, himself, was fighting a disease of alcoholism and drugs as well. No one should ever let depression consume their life.
Dear Friends and Family, please be aware that when someone goes through depression, they should never be alone and they always need someone there to help them. They need all the love and support you can give them. Depression isn't just a feeling, its a mind-controlling disease that just consumes who we are. When people are depressed, the mind just shuts down and there is no control nor motivation to live life. It is consumed by darkness and negativity. It's a very, very painful experience.
The way I best explain it to people is like being stuffed into a small dark closet and it gets suffer by the minute. Your mind becomes your own enemy giving you all the thoughts that drive you to escape the pain and darkness and suffering. You feel like causing yourself harm or others harm will help release what you feel, hence, drugs, alcohol, suicide, cutting, fighting, arguing, anything negative. I hate to say it but I have done it all but attempt suicide since I am still here today but I am not going to deny that I have attempted suicide a number of times. I have fought it numerous times throughout my life and I come out stronger each time thanks to the ever loving friends and family and their continuous support.
Here are two messages I felt that refers to Robin Williams' death and I would encourage you to pass the word on. We are not alone. I am not alone. YOU are not alone.
Why Robin Williams' Death Is Personal For Depression Patients | YourTango
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Dear Friends,
Like many of you, when I first heard the news about Robin Williams’ death I felt a great sense of disbelief. As an entertainer, he transcended generations and genres to delight and inspire millions of people. He devoted his life to bringing joy and laughter to others, so it’s no surprise that he touched so many people so profoundly.
Like so many, I was surprised at how much of an effect his loss had on me. I remember watching Robin with my children. He was a welcome and familiar face whose almost child-like enthusiasm connected with all of us. He brought compassion and humanity to his dramatic roles —his portrayal of a psychiatrist in Good Will Hunting is my all-time favorite.
As someone who gave so much of himself to others, Robin struggled privately with addiction and severe depression which can distort your thinking and make a period of depression feel endless.
The truth is that we don’t talk enough about depression. If you are worried for yourself, a friend or a loved one simply talking about it can be helpful. Learning the signs, symptoms and treatment options about depression and other mental health conditions is a place to start. You can visit www.nami.org or call the NAMI HelpLine at (800) 850-NAMI for information and support. If you are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
We all deal with loss in different ways. Some of us might have watched Robin Williams’ movies yesterday or remembered a time we saw perform. Others spoke about how depression had affected them and how they related to him. Almost as soon as the news broke many NAMI supporters made memorial donations in honor of “Robin” or “Mork” or even “O Captain! My Captain.” Others were inspired to call the NAMI HelpLine to volunteer.
Mental illness can be isolating. But it doesn’t have to be. When we talk about mental illness, depression and suicide we inform each other about how to help.
Robin Williams will be missed. We wish him peace. We offer our condolences and thoughts to his family as we say goodbye to a fearless and beloved entertainer.
Dr. Ken Duckworth
Medical Director, NAMI |  |
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I am proud to say that I am a member of this wonderful organization and they have done so much and more for people like me. Many cities have a local organization. I strongly encourage you to support it, join it, or volunteer for it. Even though you don't have a mental illness, someone you know and love may.
Robin, may you "bangarang" in Heaven, granting wishes far and wide, show love and affection like Ms. Doubtfire, Mork it up, and respect the "O'Captain, my Captain" forever. Your genie self will fly on always.
I love you all and I pray faith brings light to those in darkness.
