I can't bring myself to write a blog post today. I'm sad for his wife, children, and Pug Lenny (or Leonard). I'm sad for all of us because I know there were many years of entertainment left in him. At 63, he wasn't supposed to leave us. There was a beautiful tribute to him this morning on The Today Show. I cried through it.
I just don't know what to say. The news is reporting that he had been suffering from depression. Apparently, men with depression are more likely than women with the condition to commit suicide. If you know someone who needs help, please do what you can to have them call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
One more thing...please remember every day to keep your loved ones close to you. We all acknowledge the need, but don't always practice it. Robin Williams reminded us of many things, including Carpe Diem! It's terribly sad that he reminded us that you never know what will happen on any given day.
Sometimes when we grieve, it helps to talk. Feel free to share your thoughts here.
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24 comments:
Thank you for this post! I couldn't agree more. SO darn tragic.
My sister met him when she worked for Operation Smile at a fundraising gala. She said he was SO kind and showed great interest in a young girl who was born with a severe facial palsy that my sister was hosting. She said that he spent a good portion of time talking to that sweet girl and her family RATHER than hanging out with the other celebrities and dignitaries. Later that night he had the guests in stitches as he accepted an award for his humanitarian service with all the flair, humor & humility that you'd imagine from Robin Williams. He will most definitely be missed.
I laugh through my tears, I cry but with joy ... Robin Williams you made me laugh like no other. From Happy Days, to Mork and Mindy, Mrs. Doubtfire and all your other amazing films. No one can replace you. Gentle crossing Robin, and way beyond those who have crossed over are literally bending over laughing now that you have arrived! We will continue to laugh with you about life and your incredible way of looking at life filled with love and humor. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Rest in peace Robin Williams. xoxoxo
Often, we can't guess at what inner turmoil a person is going through because they put on their happy face when they are with others. But we don't know how much emotional energy this takes.
Listen, watch for signs, and be there for someone going through depression. And work to destigmatize the illness!
My sympathies to Robin's family b
There are no words to express the sadness of this great loss.
I, too, have felt sad ever since learning of his death, especially knowing he died by his own hand.
I have been being treated for PTSD, anxiety, and severe depression for the past 8 years. It's not easy to get one's brain chemicals in balance. Sometimes it can take lots of trial and error to get the right combination of meds to begin seeing results. It takes meds and therapy to work through depression, and it's time consuming.
It's so sad to me that he got to the point of actually carrying out suicide. I remember being so close to that point and what a horrible process it was getting there.
We never know what may lurk behind a person's smile. No one knew what I was going through. I became a master at appearing happy, all the while planning my suicide. Apparently Mr. Williams had also mastered the appearance of happiness, to most people anyway.
I pray that Mr. Williams' death is not in vain, and that this brings much-needed attention to mental disease and the importance of getting the proper help. To those with loved ones who are battling depression, bi-polar, etc., please be vigilant. You may be their lifeline.
RIP, Mr. Williams. My heart goes out to his loved ones and friends.
It's just more proof that you can have "everything" that people THINK will make them happy - money, immense talent, good family and friends a great job that you love and lots of strangers who love you too and still feel like you have nothing. The only thing that really matters in life is what you think of yourself - there has to be some way to get people to love themselves more. Not in a narcissistic I'm always right way but just in a way where people are able to accept their faults, take constructive criticism and rid themselves of negative feelings toward others, like jealousy. People need to be more happy for other people when good things happen to them. It is also more proof that antidepressants can only do so much, I imagine he was on something. Robin Williams was always a kindred spirit to me, my heart is in my stomach.
Soni, exactly what he was known for: compassion. Thank you for that story.
VancoverChic,
I think we all wish we could be in heaven - for just a moment - to see God greet him.
Totally agree, MamaVal.
Jem, no words. I think even the newscasters are holding back the tears.
Anonymous, I hope you are getting help, with a good support system. As a psychologist, I know the depths of depression, PTSD, and related anxiety. Like you, I hope others who are suffering get help.
Jo, mine too. Now, instead of laughing, when I see his performances, I'm afraid I'm going to cry.
Thank you. I have been tearing up countless times since I heard the tragic news...who didn't love him? He was exactly my age, which for some reason, also makes me so sad.
DH and I met him years ago when we were visiting La Jolla. He must have been there for some kind of charitable event...we remarked on the numbers of families we saw walking around with disabled children, then realized they were there for an event...I'm sure he was too. We were going into a Starbucks, and I was having trouble opening the heavy door...before my husband could do it, someone came up behind me and opened it, saying "Let me get that for you". I didn't see him, but recognized his voice instantly. Inside, we told him to go ahead before us...then my husband said "Thank you, Mr. Williams. I'll always remember you holding the door for us!".
I am devastated. Such a great loss for his family and all of us. He was a national treasure.
I feel sick. It's too painful to discuss. My father killed himself 12 years ago and this opens things up again. You never stop wishing that you could be the one to make the difference in their lives, but you can't. I hope that poor man is in peace now.
Meredith, I am so, so sorry. I can't even imagine the depth of your pain.
Hi Bisbee, Wow!
Sometimes some people feel too much; think too much. Anything can trigger this, but it usually occurs in exceedingly bright, educated people. Sometimes depression results from illness. To save yourself, turn to the simple. And talk. If you're lucky, you have married the right person who will be a messenger for you. But talk. Hug a pet. And search for the things that give you joy, such as makeup. Yes! And a grueling gym workout.
I wasn't surprised. He struggled with substance abuse for years, had recently had a brief stint at yet another rehab (Hazeldon) in his never ending battle to self-medicate his depression. I firmly believe his aortic valve replacement was a direct result of years of substance abuse. He was a tortured soul and I believe an empath. I think he felt things too strongly and suffered greatly. I hope he is now at peace.
Thank you CG. Both men had bi-polar disorder. It's a terrible disease that they have no control over, other than try various treatments. Bless them both, and may they rest with the angels.
Another comic genius who suffered from long bouts of depression was Charlie Chaplin. Despite his periods of deep despair and the myriad problems he faced in life, he made the world laugh and forget their cares just as Robin Williams was able to do. Chaplin also penned one of the most touching and poignant songs and I think it makes for a beautiful tribute to Robin who had a kind, compassionate, and generous heart despite being tormented by inner demons.
Smile~~~Charlie Chaplin
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky
you'll get by.
If you smile with your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you.
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.
Rest in Peace, Robin Williams
So, so very true. Dead Poets Society was the reason I got into my high school drama club, I've been a fan since. The world is a little dimmer, definitely.
Thanks Eileen...a lovely tribute.
Robin Williams made me laugh during some very difficult times in my life. He tugged at my heartstrings in Dead Poet's Society and Good Will Hunting. He was funny and smart and kind. He will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace, Oh Captain, My Captain.
Beautiful tributes to an amazing man - he made us laugh, he made us cry & everything in between - he will be greatly missed - deepest sympathy to his family & friends
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