Robin Williams: despair, depression, bullying

[Loz43]

With the terrible news of Robin Williams losing his battle with depression really hit home today, even though I have never been suicidal it has crossed my mind. I was so saddened that he felt so helpless and couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel

Then today at work a co-worker was bullying another co-worker and I just couldn't let it go. I had a word with my boss and said how upset  that I was with this situation and it was uncalled for and totally disrespectful. What if this person that was being

bullied suffered depression it could have been so detrimental to her health.  I am proud of myself for speaking up as I probably wouldn't have wanted to rock the boat in the past. I am feeling sad about Robin Williams and I am so upset, angry and my heart aches for the person who was being bullied today.

I just needed to share with you all as I don't really have anyone close that I can share these feelings with

[AGrace]

Hi Loz,

A very bold move on your behalf, good on you for speaking up.

The passing of Robin Williams is another reminder that every 43 seconds around the world we lose someone to suicide. It's a global issue that needs to be tackled bravely and delicately. We need to lose the stigma and break the silence.

AGrace

[Neil_1]

Loz

Thank you for commencing this thread.  I had come on with the purpose to do just this - as a remembrance to a person who bought so much laughter and joy to people - the late, the brilliantly funny, Robin Williams.

How would the normal run of the mill person know just who has depression, etc.  I hadn't even considered that he suffered.  But heard an interview today that he often did drugs, alcohol to try to make things seem a little "better" for him.

RIP Robin Williams.

To Loz:   well done for the stand you made today - and I hope that it helped the person and the bully was either shown the door (unlikely) or at least put in their place.

To Amber:  every 43 seconds!!!!   That's unimaginable.  Again, I had no idea.

[white knight]

Yes, his death rocked me as it did many around the world.

I have built up resentment for humans that dont even try to understand those with depression. Why wouldnt people at least try? It makes no sense to me.

We humans have a long way to go. There are some things that take an evolution to make change and awareness of mental health issues AND peoples desire to understand will takes decades IMO. It isnt acceptable in my eyes.

So, like many things in this imperfect world, I'll just have to "go with the flow" and accept this. In the meantime we try to fill in the gaps as best we can.

[geoff]

dear Loz, I knew that he suffered from depression, but when the news came on and told us I was shocked, as he was indeed a brilliant actor.

When you see him in 'Good Morning Vietnam' there are periods where you could see where his depression was coming from, I realise it's part of the movie but his true colours come through.

Unfortunately he joins the list of comedians who also suffered from depression. Geoff.

[elouisef23]

I too have been touched by the news, having grown up watching his films it feels so personal! SO great that you stood up for the lady being bullied at your workplace. I so hope Robin's death will aid in the stigma around depression and suicide being alleviated and greater understanding and support for those suffering. I try to take comfort in the fact that at least he fought his illness and was able to achieve so much in his 63 years. 

[RoseBlue]

Thank you for this string. 

I want to add my voice: this is so sad. Sad for Robin (because on our good days we know there is an answer, and we don't have to end our life to end the pain). Sad for those who loved him, because our loved ones really would do anything they can to help us. And sad for all of us, because one of us hasn't made it. And that reminds me that success or failure is not a foregone conclusion for any of us, but a challenge we face every day. 

Truly a tragic loss: not because Robin was famous, but because he was human. 

😞 

[Chloekat84]

 Soo sad and depressed to hear about Robin Williams death! Imm sure many of you have heard the very sad news of Robin's passing. Robin suffered from bad Depression and may have taken his own life as he couldn't bare living with this horrible disease that we many face every day. I just wish he had access to forums and sites and such nice people as all of you than this tragedy could have been prevented. Thats all i have to say for now. This news has saddened me deeply :'(

[joey]

I came here looking for this post which I knew I would find. I have noted of late the way I am affected by celebrity suicides. I don't know if it's because there is more media about them or some other reason but they really affect me and not in a good way. The publicly is good in raising awareness and acceptance. In reducing stigma. But it can be bad for me. There have been some criticisms about the 'now you are free genie' comment and I think what they are saying (that's it's risky) is true. I thought this before I read the criticisms. Because I relate to the comment. I relate to the suicides. I am sad about them and for them. I am sad for their families. But it's beyond that. I am sad for me. And then I get thinking if they are 'allowed' to do it why can't i. If the public is generally supportive of them then maybe they would support me. 

I know it's not like that. That no one said that Robin Willims (or Charlotte Dawson) who triggered this in me a few months ago is 'allowed' to go. But a part of me feels like they have something I want. 

i don't know why I am sharing this. I am not trying to be unhelpful or take away from the tragedy. I guess I want to know if anyone else is affected like this or maybe can help me. I know it affects me. But I keep on going back and reading every article. Looking for details I don't need. 

Joey

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[Jo3]

So sad and depressed to hear about Robin Williams,  I wish so much that the stigma of depression was not there.  It needs to stop and let people open up about suffering depression.  People out there need to be more compassionate and have empathy towards mental illness.

I now have decided that I will not hide my depression anymore; I will tell whoever asks me "how are you".  No more hiding.  People need to know that depression is a serious mental illness that does not need to be put away.

 RIP Robin Williams

 Jo