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...
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