The news that Robin
Williams had died, hit me hard. This incredible funny man was
introduced to me as an alien on Mork and Mindy. Immediately, one could see the
quick wit of a comedian destined for stardom. He made us laugh! Then he
broadened his stage to movies and made us cry, cheer and feel intense emotions.
Both laughter and sadness were emotions he managed to bring out in all of us.
And now, as it appears he died at this own hand, we feel sadness as
we remember his laughter.
Williams, like so many people,
battled depression. We know in 2006, he checked himself into an alcohol
rehabilitation center after 20 years of sobriety. Alcohol and drug use often
co-exist with depression. He talked openly about his cocaine addiction during
the 1970s and 1980s. We know that in 2009, Williams underwent aortic value
replacement surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Depression is not uncommon for
people with heart disease. Depression can increase the disease or heart disease
can cause depression.
We know that as late as June of this
year, Williams went back to rehab once again to deal with his sobriety.
And we know that as of late, he was struggling with severe
depression.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of
death in the U.S. It is highest among the young and the elderly. More men
complete suicide than women. The risk of suicide with major depression is about
20 times greater than the general population.
Warning signs of depression include:
Sad or depressed mood
Weight gain or loss, change in appetite
Restlessness, agitation,
irritability
Feelings of worthlessness,
hopelessness, guilt
Problems with thinking and
concentration, indecisiveness
Thoughts of death, suicide attempts
or a plan to die
If you know someone struggling with
depression, get him or her help. Depression is treatable but less than 25% of
those depressed receive adequate treatment according to the World Health
Organization.
Sadly, Williams didn’t win his
battle with depression and we say goodbye. He’ll be remembered for all the
laughter he gave to so many.
By: Dr Linda Mintle
Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/doinglifetogether/2014/08/robin-williams-laughter-and-sadness.html#C52r9cqYxBjSjA2U.99
Comments
Post a Comment