It’s 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 Children’s 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, it’s a bit ironic. Williams brought so much joy to others but in the end he couldn’t manage to do the same for himself.
Recently, Dr. Michael Friedman, a clinical psychologist, appeared on The Bryan Crabtree Show to discuss the late comedian’s suicide. For quite some time, Williams reportedly battled severe depression and substance abuse.
“Two of the biggest reasons why people commit suicide is because of depression and substance abuse,” Dr. Friedman stated on the air. “What can happen in those situations, especially with depression, it starts to become its own phenomenon, it’s own physical feeling.”
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.
“A lot of times what people don’t realize is that when someone gets to the point of committing suicide, it’s not because they don’t think their life can get better. It’s just they are so far removed from everything. They can’t feel anymore,” 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, that’s when it can lead to bigger problems.
“When you’re in that zone, it’s very hard to imagine it ever getting better,” stated Friedman.
Williams appeared to have everything—money, career, talent and a loving family. According to Friedman, Williams is proof that depression can happen to anyone at anytime.
“Depression for a lot of people, it’s genetic and biological issues that can surface from time to time,” he added. “Once you become depressed, there’s a physical experience. It’s not that you’re not willing to cope or that you’re not thinking about memories. You can’t feel anything good. You become pervasive. Food doesn’t right. You sleep all the time or you can’t sleep. You can’t concentrate. It takes over. It becomes very different from sadness or feeling down.”
Just like diabetes, heart disease, diabetes or asthma, Friedman says depression is very similar.
“Once you get it, it’s your own thing,” stated Freedman.
Williams will reportedly be laid to rest in San Francisco in a very private service this weekend.
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