Robin Williams - Depression, Comedian, Actor,

Robin Williams

The critically acclaimed funny man and star of many movies such as 'Good Morning Vietnam' and 'Good Will Hunting' (arguably his finest piece) was found dead at his California home on the 13th August 2014.  He was loved and respected by many and tributes poured in from all over the globe, including President Barack Obama and his family.  Robin had been battling depression and Parkinson’s disease for years.

Ha made people laugh but felt alone.  Although he touched so many people through his work and brought happiness and laughter into their lives, no one was able to do the same for him. He once said that people who suffer the most sadness in their lives try to make other people happy and try to prevent them from suffering the same sadness that they themselves have been through.

There is a big stigma in society today concerning mental illness and depression.  There are millions battling with depression and other mental illnesses but they feel unable to come forward to seek help, due in part to the perceived label that comes with admitting it.  You can hear such labels vocalized in insults such as ‘retard’, ‘soft in the head’. ‘Loon’, etc.  The givers of these insults range from school pupils to the elderly.  There is nowhere safe from the attack and abuse the mentally ill suffer.

While society recognizes the reality of physical ailments such as cancer, HIV or even a headache, society is reluctant to accept the common nature of mental illnesses.  The mentally ill are often abused, not just physically but also sexually, emotionally, financially and psychologically.  This constant barrage of hate is one of the key reasons that people are often reluctant to seek out help when they need it.

Those who are bold enough to seek help, or those who are forced to do so due to their circumstances experience this discrimination and abuse first hand. The stigma associated with mental illness, whether it is perceived or factual, never goes away for them and can even effect their family and loved ones.  Society is even willing to ostracize the family members of people who suffer from depression and label them a ‘’crazy family’’.  There are cases of parents frowning upon and even stopping the marriage of their sons or daughters to someone who has a family member suffering from depression.

Even within religious movements, there are those who believe that mental health issues are curses from a divine being, placed upon people who have somehow done something wrong.  People with mental health issues can even be beaten and forced to endure untold physical abuse, all in the name of trying to 'cure' them of their affliction. With this kind of attitude being displayed by people, how can anyone be expected to seek help in regards to mental health issues?

In the case of Robin Williams the question we are faced with is; was this a case of suicide or murder by society?  In holding onto what we deem as reasonable and safe social etiquette, did society ultimately doom Robin Williams by creating an unsafe environment for him to live in?  
People with depression are often very sensitive and often this is a part of the nature of a victim.  They are often so touched by the suffering around them that it takes a toll on them especially if they are unable to do anything about it.  Someone like that is unlikely to want to ‘’burden’’ their family, friends or society with any issues they feel will only weigh their family down. As a result they tend to hold it all inside until the volcano erupts and they are the ultimate victim.

However there are a range of services and outreaches e.g. the Samaritans who provide counselling and advice for people with depression. Such services can be literally life saving, as talking to someone who cares is a good way to alleviate some of the suffering. While it might not take it away completely, continued counselling and help often allow the victim a means of release and a way to manage their condition. If you feel that you might be suffering, please talk to someone today, don't keep it all in.