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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Aug 14, 2014 5:20:13 GMT
It amazes me that someone who was so outwardly vibrant and beautiful, self confident and in charge of himself found himself in such a state of despair that nothing could save him.
It actually hurts to think that as wonderful as so many found him to be, he couldn't feel it. Or maybe it just wasn't enough.
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swanie78
Junior Member
Posts: 79
Jun 27, 2014 4:11:24 GMT
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Post by swanie78 on Aug 14, 2014 5:42:43 GMT
Same here. I'm not sure why his death has hit me so hard but I have been in a funk since I read it. Like you, it's difficult for me to understand how with all the people around him he could have felt so alone. I read he struggled with sobriety, so I have to think that this occurred in a time that he was drunk/high (both?) and not thinking clearly. If someone with his fame and money can slip through the cracks of mental illness, it's no wonder so many others in our society do. Then again, each person has to have the will to change and/or seek help. I can't imagine the pain his family and friends feel, considering my feelings.
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Post by scrappersue on Aug 14, 2014 5:53:26 GMT
Me too. I keep watching and reading the tributes to him and it makes me so sad. He did so much for others it's hard to imagine the dark place he must have been in. I feel bad for his family too. I want to figure out how to get Dead Poets Society and Goodwill hunting so I can watch with my kids. They have not seen either.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 12:20:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2014 6:22:49 GMT
I think RW's death has made people realize that depression isn't about anything external. It's an illness that no amount of riches, fame or adulation can cure.
L
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zella
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,884
Jul 7, 2014 19:36:30 GMT
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Post by zella on Aug 14, 2014 7:46:14 GMT
Depression doesn't always respond to treatment; he may have been on anti-depressants, or in therapy, and still have wanted to die. We don't know.
And unlike other illnesses, the worse the disease is, the less likely the sufferer will seek help many times, since seeking help seems so pointless and so hard to do.
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Post by LovMelrose on Aug 14, 2014 12:19:18 GMT
His death has bothered me a lot too. More so than other celebs. I think it may be because he brought so much joy and laughter to people its hard to believe that he was in such a dark place himself. So very sad. Such a tragic loss.
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Post by lollapealooza on Aug 14, 2014 12:22:35 GMT
I don't think it had anything to do with him feeling unloved or alone. I think he was just so tired of the struggle that he could not go on one. more. day.
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Post by alibama on Aug 14, 2014 12:29:06 GMT
His death has bothered me a lot too. More so than other celebs. I think it may be because he brought so much joy and laughter to people its hard to believe that he was in such a dark place himself. So very sad. Such a tragic loss. This is what my husband and I talked about too.
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Post by MommyofTriplets on Aug 14, 2014 13:44:06 GMT
Me too. This has been a tough one.
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Post by airforcemomof1 on Aug 14, 2014 13:59:27 GMT
His death has bothered me a lot too. More so than other celebs. I think it may be because he brought so much joy and laughter to people its hard to believe that he was in such a dark place himself. So very sad. Such a tragic loss. I feel the same.
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~Susan~
Pearl Clutcher
You need to check your boobs, mine tried to kill me!!!
Posts: 3,259
Jul 6, 2014 17:25:32 GMT
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Post by ~Susan~ on Aug 14, 2014 14:09:23 GMT
It has really bothered me too. I have struggled with depression since I was 15. I was finally diagnosed when I was 23. Even with therapy and medication, it is hard for me. Most people don't even know that I suffer from depression. I hid it for many, many years until it started affecting my family. I was ashamed for the longest time, but now it's just a part of who I am.
I always felt I had to be "on" and upbeat for those around me and it was and is very exhausting. I wonder if Robin Williams was the same way? Was he afraid people couldn't except the person behind the jokes or without him "performing" all the time?
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Post by cropaholicnora on Aug 14, 2014 14:33:50 GMT
I have treatment resistant depression. Like another poster said, I feel the need to be "on" all the time and it is exhausting. It's almost entirely a surface level happiness, because it takes so much effort to dig past the depression. I've never wanted to burden people with my problems, so very few people think that there's anything wrong with me. But when I'm not putting on my happy face, I am tired, blue, find trouble enjoying things that I know I like, have trouble even getting out of bed because it just takes too much energy. I've tried dozens of medications/combinations with no cure. Robin Williams' story breaks my heart.
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Post by kimpossible on Aug 14, 2014 15:26:45 GMT
I saw an interview last night with a good friend of Robin Williams and comedian (Johnny Steele) from the bay area that would go biking with him at least once a month. He said his last bike ride was 10 days before his death. He observed Robin as someone who had their body taken over by something, definitely not himself -very quiet and withdrawn as well as very thin. He was so concerned he reported it to his managers and "handlers" and they too recognized there was a problem and were trying to get help. He has an interesting way of describing it....here is the link: Johnny Steele commenting on Robin Williams
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Post by scrapcat on Aug 14, 2014 15:37:49 GMT
Unfortunately I've known people who have committed suicide or have overdosed essentially due to depression issues. It is kind of the same thing as when the couple who seems perfect on paper and have a picture perfect life get divorced. I think one of the biggest lessons or realizations I've had in the past few years is that things are not always as they seem and you never really know what's going on with someone. Which in turn, helps me in trying not to judge others or have expectations.
The first thing I thought of when I heard, besides sadness and sympathy, was how people use humor as a defense mechanism. And when you think how funny he was and how many colorful characters he played...just kind of makes me think he had to do that to cover up what he was really feeling inside. It is sad. I just wish anyone in this state will try to get help.
I just really feel for his family, esp his kids. Something they have to endure for the rest of their lives.
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Post by ljsmom on Aug 14, 2014 15:40:15 GMT
I saw an interview last night with a good friend of Robin Williams and comedian (Johnny Steele) from the bay area that would go biking with him at least once a month. He said his last bike ride was 10 days before his death. He observed Robin as someone who had their body taken over by something, definitely not himself -very quiet and withdrawn as well as very thin. He was so concerned he reported it to his managers and "handlers" and they too recognized there was a problem and were trying to get help. He has an interesting way of describing it....here is the link: Johnny Steele commenting on Robin WilliamsThanks for posting that interview
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Aug 14, 2014 15:41:51 GMT
It amazes me that someone who was so outwardly vibrant and beautiful, self confident and in charge of himself found himself in such a state of despair that nothing could save him. It actually hurts to think that as wonderful as so many found him to be, he couldn't feel it. Or maybe it just wasn't enough. I think you hit the nail on the head with this part... so many people suffering from depression don't show it on the outside, and unless you knew them very well, you would have no idea. I think I probably suffered for clinical depression for close to 10 years before it got bad enough for me to seek treatment, and yet probably anyone who knew me- acquaintances, co-workers, probably even my family- wouldn't have had any idea. ETA: I agree with this from papergoddess, as well: "how people use humor as a defense mechanism..."
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Post by Lexica on Aug 14, 2014 16:06:58 GMT
Robin Williams' death has been on my mind a great deal too. I've never felt this saddened at a celebrity death before. He had given so much to others through his comedy and charity work and the idea that nothing could fill him up enough to want to stay here bothers me a great deal.
I read an article last night, and I know it is just one person's opinion, but they discussed the things that had been going on in his life the last few years. It was reported that his divorces cost him 30 million dollars. He had to start taking jobs that he didn't want, just for the money. He felt ashamed that he had to take on projects that he didn't believe in just for the paycheck. He wasn't on the short list for any major Hollywood movies any longer. He had to take supporting and bit parts just for the paycheck because his bills were piling up.
He had quietly tried to sell a large property he owns in the Napa area for the last few years. It hadn't sold and was formally listed in April. He said he didn't need that lifestyle, and I don't think having to sell it bothered him as much as it not selling. Perhaps if it did, and his debts were lowered, it would have been enough.
Then the last thing he did for television, The Crazy Ones, was cancelled. He was so happy to have that series because it meant regular income again. When it was cancelled, it hit him hard. He was extremely embarrassed and felt he was no longer marketable. He couldn't get major movies, and now even going back to television after 30 years didn't pan out. He was deeply ashamed and felt he had let everyone on the cast down.
So for a man already dealing with severe depression, a recent heart surgery, and the "last ditch" effort to gain dependable employment failing, it was all too much.
When I first heard, I thought, how could he do this to his family? After reading about his financial troubles and perceived inability to make an income, he probably felt he was an embarrassment to his family and that they would be better off without him. I'm wondering if he had a substantial death policy that he felt he was leaving to his wife to fix all the debt issues.
I never saw an episode of "The Crazy Ones" because I rarely watch television, but if I could turn the clock back, I'd watch it religiously, not only because I loved watching him in anything he did, but because if it was still on the air, the odds are that he'd still be here with us.
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Post by wiipii2 on Aug 14, 2014 16:14:22 GMT
I too feel like the wind has been sucked out of me by his death.
This is what Harvey Fierstein said about his friend and I think it sums it up well. (sorry for the language but its appropriate in this situation)
"Please, people, do not fuck with depression. It's merciless. All it wants is to get you in a room alone and kill you."
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Post by wezee on Aug 14, 2014 16:48:32 GMT
His death has hit me in ways I would have never imagined I think Lexica hit it on the head. I have depression,it scares me that if RW couldn't survive it, how will I? Don't get me wrong I'm in a good place. I do know that having depression is like being on a roller coaster even at the highest times you know that the lowest of low is right around he corner. May he rest in peace.
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Post by peasful1 on Aug 14, 2014 16:54:43 GMT
It amazes me that someone who was so outwardly vibrant and beautiful, self confident and in charge of himself found himself in such a state of despair that nothing could save him. It actually hurts to think that as wonderful as so many found him to be, he couldn't feel it. Or maybe it just wasn't enough. Shows you just how good of an actor he was. Just as being loved can't cure cancer, it can't cure mental illness.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
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Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Aug 14, 2014 17:11:52 GMT
Jessica Sprague has, today, shared her personal struggle with depression. She writes in her blog very openly about it ... and frankly, it was illuminating to me.
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Nink
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Jul 1, 2014 23:30:44 GMT
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Post by Nink on Aug 14, 2014 18:54:24 GMT
I just saw this story on my local channel FB page. Apparently he was in the early stages of Parkinsons disease at the time of his death according to his wife. link
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Post by kimpossible on Aug 14, 2014 19:00:32 GMT
I just saw this story on my local channel FB page. Apparently he was in the early stages of Parkinsons disease at the time of his death according to his wife. linkIt sounds like it was a combination of a few things that might have pushed him over the edge. Hard to step into his shoes to really know what was behind what he did. I just know he made me laugh, I loved a lot of his movies and he will always be a happy memory for me. I feel so sad for his family.
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Post by Kelpea on Aug 14, 2014 19:07:39 GMT
Just wanted to put something out there for folks to try to get a handle on.
Someone in my family is a "suicide survivor." Since she has lived to tell about it, I'd like to share her perspective. At the point when you are taking (or attempting to, and not to "attract attention;" my relative was intent upon succeeding; she didn't take enough pills) your life, it's not about anyone else at that point but yourself.
No one else is in the equation: not your spouse, your children, family members, friends, or in RW's case, your adoring public. My relative is also incredibly warm, funny and loving to a fault. But at the end of it all, she was just too despondent to carry on. In her case, she was in a physical and abusive relationship and kept it from everyone around her.
So to address the statement that it is amazing that someone like Robin Williams could do something like this, it's actually very understandable to me. By now you have likely seen he had onset of Parkinson's disease which probably added to his despondency. My relative has struggled with cancer and another chronic illness which likely affected her decision to commit suicide as well.
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Post by FrozenPea on Aug 14, 2014 19:28:34 GMT
I just read this on Huffington Post a statement from his wife.
"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid. Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.
Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.
It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid."
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imsirius
Prolific Pea
Call it as I see it.
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Jul 12, 2014 19:59:28 GMT
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Post by imsirius on Aug 14, 2014 19:29:30 GMT
Thank you for sharing that video with Robin's friend Jonathan. The ending was so sad....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2014 19:35:48 GMT
I never saw an episode of "The Crazy Ones" because I rarely watch television, but if I could turn the clock back, I'd watch it religiously, not only because I loved watching him in anything he did, but because if it was still on the air, the odds are that he'd still be here with us. We watched every episode and were quite surprised when it was cancelled. It was a very well written funny show. I thought the cast was good too. t.entertainment.msn.com/robin-williams-had-parkinsons-disease-wife-saysThis was on MSN this morning. He wasn't ready to share with the world that he had Parkinsons. I would assume this new diagnosis led to some more demons he was battling.
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Post by Skellinton on Aug 14, 2014 21:28:44 GMT
I never saw an episode of "The Crazy Ones" because I rarely watch television, but if I could turn the clock back, I'd watch it religiously, not only because I loved watching him in anything he did, but because if it was still on the air, the odds are that he'd still be here with us. We watched every episode and were quite surprised when it was cancelled. It was a very well written funny show. I thought the cast was good too. t.entertainment.msn.com/robin-williams-had-parkinsons-disease-wife-saysThis was on MSN this morning. He wasn't ready to share with the world that he had Parkinsons. I would assume this new diagnosis led to some more demons he was battling. My husband and I watched the Crazy Ones every week too, we were also surprised it wasn't picked up for another season. It was funny, silly, and had a great ensemble. I just feel so sad that someone who was so vibrant and joyful could have felt he could not cope one more day. One of the things I love most about him was that his comedy was silly and hilarious and would mock pop culture, but it was not mean spirited. He was so full of life it is hard to believe he is gone.
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Post by MichyM on Aug 14, 2014 21:32:42 GMT
I just read this on Huffington Post a statement from his wife. "Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid. Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles. Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly. It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid." I think this is beautifully written. I too am still feeling the loss. I think it's a combination of who he was (how much joy he brought others), and the cause of death. I'm very sad to know he felt there was no reason to continue living....
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Post by ladytrisha on Aug 14, 2014 21:48:40 GMT
We were sitting at lunch today and we all voiced what everyone has said here. This one just hurts. I cannot imagine being one of the ones in his circle that he actually interacted with because the loss must be utterly devastating. He was that bright light that was always ON, at least as we all saw. The emptiness his family and close friends must feel - again, unimaginable. When I read today about him having a Parkinson's diagnosis, it sort of fell into place. Having had friends who had it and what they went thru was bad. But to get the diagnosis when you're already fighting to just find the strength to breathe air in each day must have felt overwhelming. I didn't think the cast or writing was up to his game on Crazy Ones ... seriously you could have had him riff for 30 minutes and I think that would have been cool. Trying to contain him to a passable script with a lacking cast just wasn't up to his standards (at least to our family's opinion). He did have 3 or 4 films in the hopper didn't he? Sad that there won't be a Mrs. Doubtfire 2, but perhaps the magic of the original is enough, ya know? BTW, there is a blog post from Lisa Jakob who was his oldest daughter in Mrs. D - she stepped out of the acting world - and her blog is quite amazing. He is missed by this fan.
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