Itโs been four days since the untimely passing of one of the greatest comedians of all time. To say the death of Robin Williams shocked the world is a major understatement. No words can describe the loss of losing the ultimate funny man.
For years, Williams made millions of people smile and laugh around the world with his quick humor and incredible energy.
Not only did he have talent, he had a big heart, too. He entertained the troops overseas. He took part in fundraising efforts for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital. All together, he reportedly contributed to more than 50 charities and causes.
However, the man who enjoyed making others happy was battling his own demons. In a way, itโs a bit ironic. Williams brought so much joy to others but in the end he couldnโt manage to do the same for himself.
Recently, Dr. Michael Friedman, a clinical psychologist, appeared on The Bryan Crabtree Show to discuss the late comedianโs suicide. For quite some time, Williams reportedly battled severe depression and substance abuse.
โTwo of the biggest reasons why people commit suicide is because of depression and substance abuse,โ Dr.ย Friedman stated on the air. โWhat can happen in those situations, especially with depression, it starts to become its own phenomenon, itโs own physical feeling.โ
According to recent statistics, more than 30,000 people commit suicide every year in the United States. Over half of them occur in adult men, ages 25-65. Williams was 63-years-old, having hung himself with a belt, according to a California coroner.
โA lot of times what people donโt realize is that when someone gets to the point of committing suicide, itโs not because they donโt think their life can get better. Itโs just they are so far removed from everything. They canโt feel anymore,โ stated Friedman.
Freedman stated that for the most part, many people experience depression or sadness at some point in life. When the feeling lasts for an extended period of time, thatโs when it can lead to bigger problems.
โWhen youโre in that zone, itโs very hard to imagine it ever getting better,โ stated Friedman.
Williams appeared to have everythingโmoney, career, talent and a loving family. According to Friedman, Williams is proof that depression can happen to anyone at anytime.
โDepression for a lot of people, itโs genetic and biological issues that can surface from time to time,โ he added. โOnce you become depressed, thereโs a physical experience. Itโs not that youโre not willing to cope or that youโre not thinking about memories. You canโt feel anything good. You become pervasive. Food doesnโt right. You sleep all the time or you canโt sleep. You canโt concentrate. It takes over. It becomes very different from sadness or feeling down.โ
Just like diabetes, heart disease, diabetes or asthma,ย Friedman says depression is very similar.
โOnce you get it, itโs your own thing,โ stated Freedman.
Williams will reportedly be laid to rest in San Francisco in a very private service this weekend.
