Like millions of fans and admirers, I was in a state of total shock and heartbreaking disbelief when I learned of the death of comedian and actor Robin Williams yesterday. As the all the news reports have stated, Robin's death is being ruled a suicide from asphyxiation. At first, my initial response was "Why, Robin? With the wonderful career that you've had and the millions and millions of people who's lives you've touched with your comedic genius, why did you do this?" As more details of the story became available, it was then that I learned that he'd been dealing from severe depression for quite some time, after years of addiction to both drugs and alchohol. Although like so many others, I have never believed that suicide is the answer - as it's been said, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. However, at the same time, I believe that Robin undoubtedly felt that this was his only way to finally be at peace from the negative thoughts and the "voices in his head" that is so common with the depth of depression that he was in. It's possible that he felt that there was no one he could really reach out to for help - that he was in his own private hell, while trying to bring laughter to millions. We'll never know. As it said in one of the news reports yesterday, he was "laughing on the outside while crying on the inside." It is a horrible tragedy that his depression led him to make this decision. I hope that his death will be a wake up call to those that don't understand how serious depression can be. It is not a sign of 'weakness", or not wanting to cope with life. It is an illness, and needs to be taken seriously. Depression is very common with other health issues, such as diabetes, strokes or heart attacks.
Robin, you've brought so much laughter to so many of us, and the world will mourn your passing. You've left us with a tremendous legacy of great films - "Good Morning, Vietnam", "Awakenings", "Patch Adams", "Flubber", "Bicentennial Man", and of course, "Mrs. Doubtfire," just to name a few. And we can never forget the show that started it all - "Mork and Mindy".
Robin, I hope that you've finally found the peace that you have been needing for so long. Your battle is over, your inner demons are silenced, and this world will never be the same without you. Rest in peace, Robin
