A man of a thousand laughs

It took me off guard as I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and loss for someone I had only met on my television or the big screen in the movie theater. But there's a real sense of sadness that accompanies the tragic death of Robin Williams who, in the end, claimed his own life.

Prior to entering the mental health field I had a loose grip on the concept of depression and now close to 15 years later I find it difficult to know someone who doesn't have a someone suffering from this illness. The truth is, if we take the time to stop and pause, there is a friend, family member, co-worker or classmate who is struggling with depression. Even in 2014 I have overheard responses such as, "just snap out of it" or "just try to be happy," and a million other ill fitting responses to a sickness that is very real and one that, if deemed necessary, medication can provide one facet of assistance with.



We are a society wired to receive and expect everything instantaneously. When it comes to the world of depression it is far from having an automatic fix or cure. Every type of treatment is dependent upon the individual and one that might truly be life long. It can feel like an uphill battle with cliffs below and road blocks ahead, but it is one that requires the support and encouragement of others.

Counseling, prayer, medication and support of loved ones can help. But even as I sit here and reflect on Mr. Williams and the people that I have known in my life who have suffered from depression and ended their own lives it is an illness that breaks my heart and one that I try very hard to understand.

Robin Williams filled the screen with his humor, charm and gifts for many years. He was a man who made millions laugh, but one, behind closed doors, there was a hurt and sadness that his fans never detected. That's the funny thing about depression, it's something that can be hidden with a smile or a laugh and one that can often leave loved ones in the dark. In other instances, it can be detected with changes such as a notable sadness, withdrawn from friends, increase in sleeping and shift in interests.

My hope is that Robin's death will not be in vain and this will promote discussion around the dinner table, at the work place and amongst friends to know what to look for and that if help is needed that there are many resources available. Life is so very fragile and how wonderful would it be to steer a friend or loved one in the direction of taking that first step to talk with someone, reach out and know that they are not alone.