I grew up watching the likes of Mork and Mindy, Aladdin and Mrs Doubtfire. There is no doubt that Robin Williams was one of my favourite actors as a child and even now his films have me in stitches.
How could it be that one of the funniest and seemingly happy men ever know felt that he couldn't go on anymore?
I saw one response to a blog post this morning which said "What was the reason for his depression? Wasn't aware he was suffering from it..."
The truth of the matter is that there is often no reason for the depression, which makes the sufferer feel all the worse as they know they should be grateful for what they have. This then leads to a feeling of guilt about the emotions they are experiencing.
It is for this reason that many of those with depression become very good at hiding their symptoms as they would rather suffer in silence than face the usual comments of "Can't you just snap out of it?" or "What have you got to be depressed about? There are so many people worse of than you?"
Depression, and other illnesses like it, are silent killers for the simple fact that there is still not enough understanding about them. We all need to make the effort to become more aware of mental health so that we can support those around us and stop these tragic incidences from occurring.
May Robin Williams be a lesson to us all. Just because someone may appear to be the life and soul of the party, does not mean that they aren't fighting a world of pain inside. Look amongst those around you and if their smile doesn't reach their eyes, reach out to them.
I will leave with with the most fitting tribute that I think I have seen today...
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