OT: Robin Williams

VMP wrote on 8/11/2014, 7:09 PM

Just heard it.

Didn't know he had problems with depression.

Mrs Doubtfire is one of my fav films from him.

VMP

set wrote on 8/11/2014, 7:53 PM

Just heard the news on local news also...

And read here:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2014/08/11/robin-williams-found-dead-in-marin-county-home/
I met Robin Williams two years ago, only long enough for a warm greeting and gracious handshake, but I can tell you two things: He was kinder than he needed to be to someone he’d never met, and he had

Rest in Peace Robin Williams....

MikeyDH wrote on 8/11/2014, 8:20 PM

Depression is a terrible thing. The man made billions laugh, but apparently could not laugh at himself. Rest in Peace Robin Williams. You will be missed..

GeeBax wrote on 8/11/2014, 10:25 PM

Very hard to pick my favourite Robin Williams film, so many to choose from, but I can say the one I liked the least was 'Good Morning Vietnam'. Loved him in 'The World According to Garp', 'Millennium Man'.

So sad to lose someone like him, if only he realised that in his darkest moments he could have reached out to millions of people who would have run to his side to comfort him.

farss wrote on 8/12/2014, 1:08 AM

Very sad news, I enjoyed every movie that he was in.
As for "reaching out", that's the problem I think, it's such an internal thing. If one could see a way to reach out I doubt you'd be depressed.

Bob.

PeterDuke wrote on 8/12/2014, 2:09 AM

Some of you may not have seen this blog by Stephen Fry on his depression and suicide attempt. It is interesting reading but leaves one feeling helpless.
http://www.stephenfry.com/2013/06/24/only-the-lonely/

Here is a quote from him:

“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.

Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”

¯ Stephen Fry

Rory Cooper wrote on 8/14/2014, 3:29 AM

That was sad news.

Living in this crazy system and not getting depressed is a challenge for many. I wonder if “Obama care” covers the very depression it causes?

PeterDuke wrote on 8/14/2014, 4:59 AM

If you read Stephen Fry's quote (based on his own experience) depression happens "like the weather" rather than being caused by events. If you read the comments to his blog you see how ignorant most people are about depression. They rationalise and look for causes, rather than just accepting and being there for the sufferer "when they come through to the other side". Being unhappy is not the same as having depression.

Rob Franks wrote on 8/14/2014, 6:32 AM

" They rationalise and look for causes, rather than just accepting and being there for the sufferer "when they come through to the other side". Being unhappy is not the same as having depression. "

It sounds here like people are being "BLAMED" for not being able to relate? Depression is a chemical imbalance of sorts. Of course a normal person isn't going to get it. Why should they? When a normal person becomes sad there is a reason for it. This is what we all see, feel, and relate to.

When a normal person sees sadness (depression) and wants to help, they ask
"what's wrong..... how can we fix this?"
And while that question clearly shows a lack of understanding as to what depression actually is, it also shows a note of compassion, concern and a willingness to help.

Rob Franks wrote on 8/14/2014, 6:41 AM

"Living in this crazy system and not getting depressed is a challenge for many."

That would be a reason for sadness. There is no reason for depression. It just happens, and while many of the more comfortable Americans have issues with Obama care, there are plenty of poor who are now better protected from dying in the street just because they have no money.

JJKizak wrote on 8/14/2014, 7:44 AM

When he and Jonathon Winters got together it was pandemonium.
JJK

Rory Cooper wrote on 8/14/2014, 7:45 AM

Rob sure and that’s what you would expect a person who suffers from depression to say, but by saying that there is no cause means that there is no solution and in itself is part of the problem. he feels = helpless, So naturally it appears as being like the weather which you cannot predict or control.
For example over many years every Sunday at roundabout 2 bells I would suffer from extreme depression no matter where I was or how pleasant my surroundings were,
I simply could not beat it no matter what I did. it was only when I understood that it was on Sundays that I had to go back to the orphanage where I was raised which we were allowed out of once a month but had to be back at two. Even when i put 2 and 2 together and had to keep telling myself that those days were over and i did not have to go back to anything it took a while until I was free from it.
There is always a cause be it medical or otherwise. I know what unhappiness is and what depression is.