Robin Williams has died. He was 63. Early reports indicate that it was a suicide via asphyxiation. Sidenote: What does that mean? Car in a garage? Bag over the head? I don’t know why I am even trying to picture this, sorry. I know this is a bit off course for this site, but I really liked Robin Williams and it was very shocking. Williams was apparently battling depression for some time.
Depression is a bitch. I am so sad to hear this news.
I’m sad too.
This upsets me so badly. I hate it when depression wins because when it does we all lose. RIP Robin Williams.
@Hannah: you nailed it. I can’t put it any better way.
So sad.
Not true. Sometimes assholes are depressed and kill themselves. We win. My glass is half full.
You know teecee66, you are right about that in certain instances. My uncle by marriage was a child molester. He tried with me so many times while I was young. I finally at 12 when he got me alone and grabbed my boob told him if he ever touched me again, I’d fucking kill him, then got scared that he would tell my Mom and I would get in trouble. That was 40 years ago and you didn’t talk about things like that. When my aunt died, it came out that he had been molesting children and he drowned himself. So yeah there are times when assholes do the world a favor, but Robin Williams wasn’t one of them in my opinion.
I am so sad. He had a lot of demons. My prayers are with his entire family at this time.
He was a hugely talented person. I am sad for his family and so sorry he felt so hopeless or desperate.
Depression is an evil path that’s hard to get out of . I have no words he was such an amazing actor and person . This sucks .
Horrible, as you know I have my own issues and its an awful battle. I’m so sad by this news. Idk but could it be he hung his self? I shiver at the thought. What a comic genius.
That is so sad. He was just as nice and funny in person as he was on screen. He loved to play little tricks on people. He will be missed.
So sad. Robin R I P
I am so sad to hear this news. I will remember his wonderful work in so many films. I especially loved him in Disney’s Aladdin. Condolences to his family, friends and fans. Thanks for reporting TT.
I feel lucky to have grown up watching him and to see his stardom rise with his talent in the late 70’s & 80’s. There was nothing funnier than Robin Williams…I need to be alone now.
Same here. His standup on cable was one of the first “R rated” anythings I remember being allowed to watch.
Gah.
Still crying… yes UF! Lucky but so sad. Having a box of wine now…
I am also so so sad to hear this. Another gone far to soon.
Omg……so so sad! RIP Robin, I hope you are at peace now!
Wow, I had not heard it. I’m shocked and saddened. I was aware of his issues with depression. He was so gifted and I’m sure loved by many.
A tortured soul and genius ~ RIP brother.
OMG…I just loved him. I thought he was one of the most talented people EVER!!!! Besides being funny….he could act, real dramatic acting. There was nothing he could not do. I actually feel “sick” right now……RIP sweet beloved, I hope now you see how many people really did love you.
This information literally took my breath away. Sorrow is what I’m feeling. For him and his family. He was an incredible talent. Depression is astounding. I can’t imagine how tortured he must have been. Damn, I’m sad. Also grateful that we had the opportunity to experience his genius.
I took my breath too for a minute Deco. RIP he left a great legacy behind, sorry for this loss.
I was honored to attend a concert of his as he skyrocketed in popularity (Mork & Mindy days). So quick-witted in responses to audience callouts. So sad. SMH at another one gone too, too soon.
I didn’t know he was having those type of problems! Very sad. I really enjoyed his humor. He really has not been in anything major for a while, I just thought he was cutting back.
Um….he had a sitcom on last season. It was cancelled. Why would YOU know what personal problems a celebrity is having? You are not a part if his life.
We didn’t get to share his triumphs. Or his money. Why should we have to take on his pain? Don’t do it. Don’t you people have enough to deal with in your real lives? Why do you keep trying to insert yourselves into celeb/reality lives?
Bitch why are you so mad on everyone else post of grief? If you don’t like him or relate to depression, why even bother with the conversation. Tamara, I know Teecee is one of your faves so i’m prepared to be blocked but that’s ok.
Art affects people lives emotionally. The fact that he touched that many people confirms that. Please be respectful and let people mourn in the way they need to.
Please eat shit.
I was really expecting more from you, Tee Cee. I fully expected you to explain that he wasn’t funny and death didn’t make him funnier.
That said, it’s a normal human response when ad celebrity that you like dies to be a bit said and remember the great performances of their career.
No one is rocking back and forth in the corner cutting. Although some suicide pacts may be forming…./shrugs.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 1:34 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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He was amazing in life. He was funny as hell. This one opis not a person I’d say was not great in real life. In this case, I hope people don’t think that he’s a hero in death. Because I feel like people are deciding that suicide is ok. If he did it, I should do it too. It will end my pain. I just hope people DONT relate to him. Sheppard Smith is being raked over the coals for saying that Williams was a coward. I’m not going to go that far. But what he did is not right.
while i’m also not going to say he was a coward a la sheppard smith, i do find it a bit selfish. he had children. he had a wife. but mostly his children – couldn’t he at least have tried for them?
I think he tried.
What kind of asshole assumes he didn’t try? He’s been depressed for YEARS. How long would you like him to try for?
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 6:20 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I loved his show. My husband finds it ridiculous that good, funny shows like his get canceled while crap like Honey Boo Boo keeps getting picked up for more seasons. (I know, different networks but the point is the same).
Lol. I love hypocrites.
Just LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Especially deluded ones who think they are a part of a celebrity’s life. Hey, maybe it was having his life encroached upon by nutty fruit cakes who think they should know when he is working or not and what he is feeling or doing all the time.
So Sad 🙁
Damn. He seemed like a really nice genuine guy. My thoughts are with his family especially his kids.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I really liked him. He could make others laugh, but he had demons that troubled him so. It is so sad someone couldn’t have helped him through his time of despair. I hope he finds peace in Heaven. God bless his family !!!!!!
What a huge loss!
I will admit it here TT and haven’t to anyone else in my life. Depression is something I battle with myself. GOD and my son keep me going everyday and I refuse to let evil win.
It hurts to see such an amazing man succumb to this but I understand how emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting it can be. I pray he rests in peace.
I hope it feels better to admit your issues with depression RJ. It’s not ever something we want to be going through. And people telling you to get out in the sun, or go exercise or whatever can be so frustrating. We know we need to those things but if we had the will to do them we would not be depressed. 🙂 Which reminds me, I am putting my two hour excursion in the Fancy Kroger in my exercise log. 🙂
On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 8:09 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Amen. Your reply to RJ’s response was appreciated and so true and must definitely on point!
My prayers go out to you. Keep your mind on God. You are brave and stronger than you know. We are proud of you for your honesty.
I also have issues with major depression; runs in the family. It sucks almighty ass when you’re in it. You cannot DO anything, barely wipe your own ass properly before crashing back down into a ball of misery and lethargy.
As much as I keep my posts limited, snarky and sometimes lighthearted…I appreciate your bravery and honesty! Thank You. I deeply understand. I do however let the bad in more than I would like to admit…and then pull my big girl panties up. Thank You again.
This was in reply to “realityjunkie” Not sure why it didn’t post in reply directly to you.
Nanu nanu Robin. Be at peace. You will be missed.
Mork and Mindy was phenomenal! I’m personally putting Hook in the DVD player right now. So sad
I am in shock. One of my true childhood heros.
I listened to his comedy album for hours at a time when I was a kid,
stuck in bed for nine months in a body cast. He made me laugh when
I had nothing to laugh about. I still have that album.
Thank you, Mr. Williams. For everything.
Thank you for posting this. He was one of my favs!
I’m in shock. He was always going a million miles an hour and when you watched him you would just hang on for the ride. There is no one like him on this planet. I’m gonna have a nice cry now.
He was kinda genius.
Like, like, like! Isn’t this the thing we should remember about the guy? Would his genius be any more heightened or diminished if he had been hit by a trolley car in SanFran? Why the focus on how he died? He went out and chose when and how to do that — whether it was a clear headed choice or not, it was his to make.
Very shocking news indeed. He was loved by all . Prayers for the family in this difficult time. I believe he is at peace now and I am comforted by that.
I’ve loved Robin since Mork and Mind… R.I.H. Robin..
He truly was a talented actor. From Mork & Mindy …and we love love his BirdCage, and watch it often. I often wondered when Christopher Reeve passed away, followed by his wife….what Robin would do. As Robin & Christopher Reeve had such a close knit bond with each other….Rest your weary soul, Robin Williams…till we all meet each other one day
I loved his movies…The Fisher King…Ms Doubtfire…Good Will Hunting. He could make you laugh and cry at the same time…
So sad. Cancer sun, Pisces moon, Scorpio rising. On tail end of a Saturn return. Very depressing time, especially for those battling alcohol or addiction issues.
Is that what his personal chart shows or is that a general chart of astrological aspects that we are currently in?
Personal chart. But a Saturn return, for anyone, is a very, very difficult and depressing time. Not as bad as a Pluto transit, but close as far as the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Backsliding, bingeing, abusing drugs or alcohol, and/or relapses are common. Scorpios and Scorpio risings are on the tail end of a 2 to 2-1/2 year Saturn return, and they have been feeling it the worst. Moves on to Saggies in December. I’m not an astrologist, but I have a friend who has been one for over 35 years and I know what Scorpios and Scorpio risings have been going through.
For Your Fucking Information, astrology crap aside, there are a great many people at this time enjoying drugs and alcohol.
So who’s judging? Enjoy!
Thanks, puravida. I am a Scorp Rising and I can vouch that the past few years have been tough. Glad to hear that dear old Pluto is moving on out ☺
R.I.P. Robin Williams. He made the world smile. I hope he is at peace.
I just heard it while it was breaking news. I have to admit…I cried a little. It caught me by surprise and hurt me deeply. He was one of my favorite entertainers. So gifted and so very kind. What a wonderful soul he was. I find it to be one of the saddest things I’ve learned in quite sometime. Hopefully…he’s at peace.
When you are depressed and/or in a lot pain and at the end of your rope I, myself understand suicide. My husband thinks it’s very selfish to the people left behind. It seems as if Robin had so much to live for and should have continued to get help instead of killing himself. He thinks it’s unforgivable that he did this to his wife and children. Thoughts?
I think you are both right. Anyone who has lived long enough has had a dark night of the soul and can understand how someone might be capable of being in such pain to kill themselves. Your husband is also right in that it is also a selfish act that is horribly painful to those you leave behind.
I can understand the mind set that the “loved ones would be better off without me, I am not helping but dragging them down, create all kind of situations that they have to take care of me”. When it comes to suicide, I always thought it is the easy way out.
Your husband sounds like a jackass. Hey, you asked. That whole selfish thing is just a bunch of bullshit. When you believe life is no longer worth living, you aren’t required to endure for the benefit of other people. That’s selfish of the people left behind. IMHO.
On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 9:20 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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It is selfish. The person who committed suicide just gives their pain to those who remain.
However, I don’t believe most people who commit suicide knowingly do so or are in the right frame of mind (obviously) to comprehend that.
I agree totally about the bs of living for others. Depression, by its nature, removes all others from the depressed persons life. The best definition of depression I’ve read is simply this: life, even in Paradise, is unbearable. Until I read that I had no idea what real depression was. Of course I don’t really understand it now, but I have an inkling of the hopelessness and have a whole new respect for those who suffer. I know there is nothing I could say that could help. I’m a work in process, nothing more.
I feel like I’ve lost a dear friend. For some reason, I can’t buy the suicide verdict. I want to wait to hear what the coroner has to say. Robin had four projects in the making and a sequel to Miss. Doubt-fire coming up. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t having bouts of depression but he was booked solid and getting massive attention from his peers.
This leads me to wonder how his personal life and relationship with his wife and stepson was going?
Robin William’s was a treasure. I’ll miss him.
Again, actual chronic depression doesn’t have anything to do with how great your life is going. You life may be going great and a switch goes off that doesn’t allow you to enjoy the good things anymore.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 5:06 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I think people who say that suicide is a selfish act, are stupid ignorant people who have no idea about things. They are really… stupid. How on earth can you say such a thing… Noone commits suicide with a clear state of mind. Its desperation. How can some people be so dumb. Really dumb. Its very easy to say this when you have never experienced this kind of anxiety. So shut up!
I actually look at suicide as being an act of bravery. I don’t have the courage to do it myself but I’ve been tempted. I never judge those who decided that suicide was the only way out of their pain.
Well your husband is clearly lucky enough to have never struggled with major depression. I think often when people commit or attempt suicide they genuinely reach a place of such darkness they think they are doing the selfless thing by unburdening those around them. In reality of course their loved ones still want them around. I think your husband is simply speaking from a place of ignorance, and that’s normal for people that have zero point of reference (no personal experience or secondhand w a friend or family member) I just hope he has immense gratitude for his good fortune.
In defense of my dear husband here is what is going on. When I was so sick last (yes, here I go again) it was of course incredibly depressing and the pain was unbearable. Well, as Tamara knows, it’s back (I don’t want to talk about that right now. I know this group is very caring and I appreciate coming here to escape). Like Microop said, I feel like a huge burden, and he just wants me to know that it is unacceptable to him for suicide to even enter my brain. Yes, he’s a jackass but that’s a different story entirely. You guys rock. Please no pity!
Pity? Chile please. You are brave and strong and you will get through this. There will be tough times when you forget that, but we will be here to remind you.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 4:08 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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OK, its been established that Valerie’s husband is some sort of uber healthy donkey’s butt who knows nothing about depression. Question: what can we do about it? Answer: nothing. He’s just a happy go lucky bastard who means no harm. Val, you’re just lucky to have the POS in your life. Run with it.
Yes, Mcroop. When you are in the pit, it really feels like you’d be doing
the people you love a big favor to off yourself. You know in your head that some of them love you, and you feel sorry for burdening them with everything that is you.
Some people who don’t understand mental illness like to call this an “I’m gonna go eat some worms attitude”. I’ve heard Dr Phil say it a lot. Its stupid and condescending and not at all what is going through a depressed person’s head. Sometimes you just really don’t want to be here anymore. It’s not about getting attention.
Oh well, it sounds like he’s pep talking you, and trying to let you know how much everyone would miss you. Good luck, I hope whatever is going on with you physically/emotionally gets better! No pity, just sympathy.
Yeah, I never understood depression until it happened to me. It’s incredibly frustrating. I have nothing to be “depressed” about. Compared to most of y’all here my life has been a walk in the park. There can be long period of time “in the hole” were you feel like your dog has died, the world is ending, and every sad thing that could happen has happened. You know none of those thing happen, but you are feeling emotions that are not connected to reality. It’s very frustrating, because you know that the emotions are not appropriate for the situation. It’s literally crazy. It’s so hard to explain if it hasn’t happened to you. At least in my case, I’m not depressed about anything in particular. Lately, the good days outweigh the bad. And then whammo, you suddenly feel like crying. But when the bad days outweigh the good, and the good days stop coming, you truly believe you are always going to feel miserable.
Ally Brosh is a cartoonist and blogger who is REALLY good at explaining depression.
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2013/05/depression-part-two.html
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 2:19 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Here for you, Valerie. Feel free to get my email address from TT if you want to talk about it. Seriously.
I love this blog. You’re good people. Cat I’ll probably take you up on that and Captain, I’m running with it.
Selfish? When you feel SO bad that you are THAT desperate and canNOT think clear anymore? No, this has nothing to do with being selfish, its very naieve from your husband. When you are in that state you cannot think clear anymore. So dont Judge. Its really ignorant.
Valerie, I get it. I really do not want to “hijack your post. At the risk of feeling as I have already…I have to reach out. Something feels identifiable. I’m not sure if it is a chronic pain/illness and or combo of the burden issue. I got it. Like someone else said…Please if you feel so inclined, TT (if willing) has my complete permission to give you all my information.
Thanks so much HerDaughter.
What a tragic figure. He was such a talented and beloved and successful man with a family that by all accounts loved him — even that could not surpass his depression/addiction. So sad. Such a light extinguished.
We don’t know what we don’t know; we just have no idea where anybody is in their mindset unless they say something. They can seem okay and later it’s found that they weren’t. RIP Robin Williams, it saddens me to hear this. Thanks for the notification TT.
Sometimes it’s too PAINFUL to to exist in our OWN BODY irregardless of what we have or who we love or who loves us. We DONT LOVE OURSELVES which is what means the most. We can’t exist in this world in this presence, and we know there is GREATER PEACE out there some where waiting for us! and it’s a constantly serenading us to find it. GOD BLEES YOU ROBIN. May you find THAT PEACE IN HIS LOVING ARMS.
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I felt the same way, I have always adore Robin Williams. I am so sorry for his family & friends. Depression & addiction are a horrible combination. Rest in Peace Robin Williams.
I’m totally heartbroken. It was obvious that he had a hard time after his best friends Christopher and Dana Reeves died as he relapsed and went back to rehab. I just find it so sad that this is the way his life ended. Depression is such a horrible disease. I so hope he has found peace.
Awww. :(( RIP MORK FROM ORK…..He was a talented Comedian and I will miss him.
Very sad indeed. I could always sense a sadness behind the smile. True, he was a comedic genius, but his best roles, in my opinion, were the ones where he quietly touched your soul. Thank you Robin Williams for Awakenings, What Dreams May Come and Good Will Hunting. Rest in Peace now.
OH! “What Dreams May Come”! How could I have forgotten about that movie! That was one of my favorites. He was fabulous in that. I also loved him in “Dead Poet’s Society”.
I loved “What Dreams May Come”. One of the most thought provoking movies ever made. My most favorite movie ever!
Was shocked when I saw the news. RIP Robin. You will be greatly missed.
Orson: The report, Mork.
Mork: This week I discovered a terrible disease called loneliness.
Orson: Do many people on Earth suffer from this disease?
Mork: Oh yes sir, and how they suffer. One man I know suffers so much he has to take a medication called bourbon, even that doesn’t help very much because then he can hear paint dry.
Orson: Does bed rest help?
Mork: No because I’ve heard that sleeping alone is part of the problem. You see, Orson, loneliness is a disease of the spirit. People who have it think that no one cares about them.
Orson: Do you have any idea why?
Mork: Yes sir you can count on me. You see, when children are young, they’re told not to talk to strangers. When they go to school, they’re told not to talk to the person next to them. Finally when they’re very old, they’re told not to talk to themselves, who’s left?
Orson: Are you saying Earthlings make each other lonely?
Mork: No sir I’m saying just the opposite. They make themeslves lonely, they’re so busy looking out for number one that there’s not enough room for two.
Orson: It’s too bad everybody down there can’t get together and find a cure.
Mork: Here’s the paradox sir because if they did get together, they wouldn’t need one. Isn’t that zenlack?
Thank you for posting that, it really sums it up. The lonely battle of depression. Prayers for loved ones left behind
Thanks for sharing CJ. I think this piece speaks to all of us. I don’t think Robin Williams suffered from Depression as much as he was effected by his deep awareness of the human psyche. And that’s enough to depress anyone.
Teerii;
Your comment was perfect and struck a chord with me. Really.
He suffered more from “deep awareness of the human psyche?” What the unholy fuck? Dude was majorly ill with depression. It’s documented and depression, unlike the unicorns fucking your crystal rainbow, really exists.
Made me cry. So very true.
RIP Robin. May you find the peace that you were unable to find in life…
May the light perpetual shine upon you, Robin. Be at peace.
watched the housewives today after i heard the news about robin. (i’d autotuned the show.) just kept thinking these stupid women fighting over such nonsense while someone felt such pain he had to take his own life. just not fair. we loved robin. saw him a lot in the city, esp yrs ago when he used to run. cried at the news. will remember his live appearances & esp the fisher king & what dreams may come. aladdin is the only kids’ movie i’ve been to where you didnt hear a peep from the kids, they were so fascinated. rip, robin.
RIP
Heartbreaking. He was one of my favorite actors. A brilliantly funny man who on the outside appeared so happy and upbeat but was sadly dying on the inside. I am sorry that he was in so much pain that he could not find solace. Depression is a horrible and relentless killer. RIP Robin you are
loved and will be missed. Thank you for all the great memories.
So sad after hearing the news. Depression does not discriminate. Robin really seemed like a nice person and I’m not saying this because he is no longer with us. I remember how silly and friendly he was when he was on Oprah’s show back in the day. He had Oprah cracking up.
My favorite movies starring Robin was, World According to Garp & Dead Poets Society.
RIP Robin……
Leslie won on Master Chef.
This is not politically correct, but its the way I think about this sort of situation. Robin is dead and I’m happy about it. He is out of pain and its what he wanted. Nothing sad about it for him or me. I’m pouring another Jim Beam and enjoying the evening.
Are you a dude? I’m just curious.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 1:55 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Curiosity kills cats, but other than that its usually a beneficial trait. “Dude”, I never really liked that term, but I do owe you a answer since knowing gender is sometimes important. Yes, ma’am, I’m a male of the straight type. Do with the information what you will. Oh, and thanks for asking.
YOU ARE A STRAIGHT MALE ON MY BLOG? FOR REAL?
100 TTTs to you. Payment in 50 now and 50 later if you are single.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 11:38 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I’m ineligible to receive the further 50 TTT’s as I’m most happily married to my soulmate, my best friend and, in my opinion, the most wonderful woman in the world. As you might imagine, its a wonder that she puts up with me, but somehow she does. I certainly don’t deserve her, but I’m not telling her that.
Thanks for the TTT’s, Tamra, much appreciated. Very pleased to be participate on your blog. I always like learning what/how others think and why. You do a great job running this creation of yours.
Dammit! We don’t get many straight asshole men with annoying opinions around here. And that seems to be my type for this lifetime. I suppose I should look at this as (a) a poor investment of tokens (b) being spared the inevitable very nasty breakup.
On Wed, Aug 13, 2014 at 2:46 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Slapping forehead
Tamara not tamra….sorry. It must make you so angry when people leave that (a) out. It happens all too often.
Um these tokens seem to be making you nicer to me. Perhaps bribery was the best strategy with you…
On Wed, Aug 13, 2014 at 4:28 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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In a way, I kinda agree with you. People that leave us this way, wanted out and they wanted out badly enough to go any means neccessary. Pain is pain and people just want it to end. Did you know that Auntie Em, of the Wizzard of OZ was a suicide? She had arthritis so bad that she ended her life over it.
Not only was he a great Entertainer and put a lot of smiles on our faces. There is one story my family can say, is that before my Cousin lost to Cancer he was in the hospital in SF. and Mr. Williams went in all the rooms to cheer the patience’s up. He was a Great Man with a Big Heart! I wish I could of shook his hand, cause he made my cousin smile.
RIP. Robin Williams you will be Missed!
So sad…RIP
“Like the Tears of a Clown When There’s No One Around”, comes to my mind when I think of the personal issues Robin Williams must have battled throughout his life. He was a rare individual who related to each age group through his work, and every generation of my family and friends is saddened by his passing. His death is a lost to all of us individually and collectively as a group.I first became aware of him as the alien Mork from Ork on Happy Days, but I had great respect for his work with Whoopie Goldberg and Billie Crystal on the Comic Relief Charity,The World According to Garp, and Good Morning Vietnam. My children came to love him by way of Jumanji and A Night in the Museum. The youngest among us love him as the Genie from Aladdin. As I matured and his career evolved, I grew to love him even more with each new role on film or television. In this day and age, it is even rarer to have lived in the public spotlight for more than 40 years, and never have anything negative reported in the press about you as a person or your career in general. Robin Williams was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed. We have been graced by his presence and blessed by his talent. May his tortured soul finally rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to his family.
that’s wrong actually. some neg stuff was reported. he joked about it to johnny carson on his tonight show.
but even the sf chronicle commenters, who can be the most evil SOBs on comments to obits, reacted to his death with love and sadness yesterday. just cant believe it. the 911 call mentioned hanging, TT. i had wondered too.
I’m so sorry for his children who are left wondering what they could have said or done and feeling guilty over the anger they have at how he left them.
I married into a family with a history of depression and paranoia. I talked my husband out of suicide many times. At age 4, my daughter tried to copy her dad by running into the street yelling that she wanted to kill herself. Even with years of counseling and the right medications, I still get the middle of the night phone call telling me she’s struggling to go on.
What bothers me is the stigma attached to addiction and mental health issues.
Depression is no joke. Many of us deal with it daily, whether people around us know it or not. We tire of the trite things people say to us, trying to help, trying to deny it, trying to make light of it, trying to avoid the discomfort of an illness they don’t understand. So many have deep opinions on the subject, without being subject to the pain and isolation the person with the disease feels. Without any understanding, so many people have so much to say. What should happen, is that people need to educate themselves on this issue, and be more understanding and slow to speak. Prayers go out from my heart to anyone who deals with depression as a patient or a supporter. God Bless Robin and his family during this difficult time.
Very well said.
I’ve been there sooooo many times, I just never had the courage to take my life, but I so understand what that dark hole is like….you never ever ever see light at the end of it, you just deal with it the best you can….I struggle every single day. I’m in a healthy relationship, I have a good job, I have wonderful kids, yet….I’m the most miserable person I know…I can’t explain it. I so understand Robin.
What annoys me is that auto-asphyxiation is considered suicide and should be considered death by misadventure. I believe the police concerned to be irresponsible to call this even possibly suicide unless it is proven otherwise. It could be accidental. Most “apparent” suicides could be a mislabeled cause. It’s sloppy to have even a preliminary cause this early.
L A, I agree with you. I’m waiting for the coroner’s report.
“A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants” – Chuckles the Clown: The Mary Tyler Moor Show episode Chuckles Bites the Dust..
Mary is doing very poorly health wise right now 🙁
It has been reported that he hung himself.
He strapped a belt around his neck…just so sad
O
P
O
“Killing oneself is, anyway, a misnomer. We don’t kill ourselves. We are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive. When somebody dies after a long illness, people are apt to say, with a note of approval, “He fought so hard.”And they are inclined to think, about a suicide, that no fight was involved, that somebody simply gave up. This is quite wrong.”
― Sally Brampton, Shoot The Damn Dog: A Memoir Of Depression
Thank you for sharing that. That is a profound way to think of the situation.
Will miss you dearly beloved Mr Doubt FIRE!!! You have left huge gap to be filled wish someone was by your side in your final hours. Sleep well
I am absolutely floored by this….I never knew he had a drinking problem, that he was a manic depressive, that he had demons…..so hearing that he strapped a belt around his neck and hung himself…I’m just floored. May this tortured pitiful soul rest now in quiet peace. I urge anyone who finds this darkness so unbearable that life seems worthless PLEASE SEEK HELP AND ANYONE SEEING THIS IN A FRIEND, A LOVED ONE, PLEASE INTERVENE.
who said he was manic depressive? That term is not even used anymore.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 4:09 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Dear, every single article starting with US magazine and going forward, quotes the man himself as being manic depressive, his own words. And yes it is used quite often.
link me to one story that says Robin Williams was “manic depressive” I’ll wait. The term is still used by idiots you don’t know that the diagnosis doesn’t exist any more and is now considered “Bipolar”
You ignorant twat.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 6:53 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I am permanently existing this site because you seem to want to pick a fight with me over this term. I’ve always respected and admired your take on issues, but this one has gone too far. What damned difference does it make what word is used? The man is dead, whether it was bipolar or Manic, he’s dead, something you seem to want to dismiss. Clearly you got issues yourself that need addressing and this tit for tat you’re having with me over a effin word is just stupid. I suggest you find another person to attack, I’m out…have a nice day!!
THANK GOD.
Now my comment is waiting for your approval, child you got issues….and I feel bad for you. Calling me ignorant and a twat…what the fuck is with that….no wonder your single…your too sad for words!!
Your comment was in moderation your douche guzzling jizzbag is because there was a LINK In it. When I had the time to clear moderated comments and read your ridiculous link quoting Robin in 2006 I pulled it out and posted your ignorant ass, dress over your head LEAVING THIS SITE FOREVER speech.
Yet your fetid twat is still here stinking up the joint.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 8:06 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I sent you a link you moron, but you took it off…stupid bitch!!
I thought you were existing.
Wow, I will take depression over anger management issues. Flashes of uncontrolled anger, defensiveness and indignation (and I am speaking to you, butthurt Gayle!) do more damage to relationships than depression.
So…what are we saying? Can depression be cured? You’re not supposed to give advice to someone with depression. What are you supposed to do? You’re not supposed to criticize someone who committed suicide. You’re just supposed to say, he was great and it’s a shame he had to do this? And that sends the right message to people who are contemplating suicide? Should we tell people that nothing helps, it’s incurable and it’s ok to hang from a belt?
I need to understand so I can be completely PC and not offend anyone.
Ally Brosh describes it best. http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2011/10/adventures-in-depression.html
There are cures for depression. Different things work for different people. For me, an organic diet and getting outside to walk and taking some supplements help. All of those things can be overwhelming some days and other days it’s easy to do.
Writing about it here with you guys, and joking about it, because sometimes laughing in the face of it all is all you can do.
No one is encouraging suicide. At all. But lots of people can relate to the feeling of just wanting it all to be over. The Bloggess, one of my favorite personal bloggers says all the time, “Depression lies” It helps to remind yourself that your emotions and thoughts when you are in the hole are not rational or true. They sure as hell FEEL true but they are not.
As for what you can do for a depressed person. Not much. Try to help them clean up the house if you are close enough to them that that would not offend them. It’s easy for your place to turn into a sty and that environment isn’t conducive for happiness.
I have found eating fancy proteins and cheeses has a positive effect. 🙂
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 5:54 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I don’t clean my own house. I ain’t cleaning yours. Fuck that shit.
I’ve seen so much of myself in this thread…it has taken me some time to stop the tears. But you’re right Tamara. There are things that help and you named at least four of the things I do when the darkness descends: talk/laugh, fancy meat, expensive cheese, and the Bloggess. Think I might have to visit there tonight. Thank you everyone but especially Valerie and TT. This will be a memorable evening for me.
My visit to her blog reminded me of last night’s super moon. Compelling stuff.
I love the Bloggess and all her rodent trinkets/statues. I haven’t read her site in a long time. Thanks for bringing her up.
Jenny’s January post: strange-and-beautiful is full of great energy and help right now. Go NOW if you need it.
I like all those things. Except I don’t know the blogess. Am I depressed? Doesn’t everyone love and want those things?
I don’t know if depression can be cured TT but it can be treated. When I started to feel somewhat better I weaned myself off of my meds. One week later and I was once again the crying and complaining bitch that I had been before. I know there’s electroschock therapy. My doctor is afraid to try it me. He fears what I would turn into. I frighten the woman.
I’ve had much greater success with dietary changes and supplements than pharmaceuticals. I don’t know how old you are Tulsa, but if you are anywhere around menopausal times it helps to know where you stand hormonally. In my case, I determined after several years that I was treating my symptoms as an electrical issue (brain) rather than a plumbing issue (hormonal). It’s making a difference…
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 9:09 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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a tweet in memory of robin by the academy of motion pictures arts and sciences that said it perfectly: Genie, you’re free.
I think that sentiment is harmful. Thinking of death as ‘freeing’ is exactly what the sick brain of a depressed person lies to itself about.
In the mental health field, some correlation has been noticed, and not totally understood: comedians are very often sad, depressed, or lonely. Reading about Robin’s lonely childhood made me feel bad for him. Affluent family but that in itself may have helped make him different. Sometimes he was so wound up and bouncing from subject to subject, like on the Oprah show, while extremely funny, it seemed to me he was a little desperate. I don’t mean that in an insulting way. He would just go so far with his genius hyper antics, and I felt there was almost an embarassed sadness behind his laughter. He was one of a kind.
Not just comics. ANY genius. The crazy comes with the genius. There are tons of examples. And being a super nice person with a big heart also seems to make people prone to crazy.
I’m pretty sane.
Don’t crazy people usually think they’re sane? 🙂
There’s a nice write up in the NY Times today about Lauren Bacall. At least she had a long, illustrious, seemingly happy life. Her timing could have been better though, given the whole Robin Williams kerfuffle.
He apparently had undiagnosed bipolar with manic episodes and depression. That mixed with addiction is a lot to slog through. On top of that he was super smart which can be a burden of itself. Ignorance truly is bliss…
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 8:33 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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You that saying that it happens in threes, well I just heard that Lauren Bacall passed away today.
The best explanation of suicidal depression I’ve heard likened it to those people who have a choice of remaining in a burning skyscraper or leaping to their death. For the severely depressed, life is the fire and leaping is suicide.
Put that way, you would never assign cowardice or selfishness to the decision to leap.
Quite frankly, if I decide at some point to commit suicide, I don’t give a shit what any of a y’all think. We are all going to die at some point. If I choose to go on my own terms you opinions do not matter. I really don’t care what you think and your opinions are a non muther fucking factor. I made my choice as to when I leave this world. My life. My decision. The whole “oh that is so selfish” crap is the biggest example of irony in the world. No one should keep living because they may disappoint someone.
That said when you are in the hole…. it’s not about other people.
On Wed, Aug 13, 2014 at 12:15 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I’ve decided I’m never dying.
Good. Because we aren’t going to let you anyway. So it’s nice we are all in agreement about some damn thing here. 🙂
On Wed, Aug 13, 2014 at 12:48 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I’m glad you posted about Robin. I felt sad, too. This is for you Tamara, as I know you have some dark times. I went into perimenopause in my late thirties. It was hell. I never had mood swings or depression before my hormones went wild. It was a few years of crazy. I am now three years with no periods, no mood swings, no depression. I actually have more to be sad about, as I have pain problems, but depression is something different, and isn’t about how good your life is.
When I die I will HAUNT this motherfucking blog! Oh yeah, you will NEVER be free of me! Maniacal laughter!!!
Valerie, I think you will be chained up along with Urethra in Tamara’s basement because you have to continue your great posts.
Valerie, glad to hear you’re not going anywhere! I think you need to stick around to take care of that darling sweet “jackass POS” husband of yours. Let’s face it. How would the poor idiot manage without you?
So true.
I also did not understand depression until it hit me. When it did, depression seemed to come and go of its own accord. It visited me off and on for 3 or 4 years. I remember thinking that if it had gone on for any longer I too would have offed myself, probably with a garbage bag over the head.
Anyways, if you are suffering, try some of the antidepressants that are available. I tried Zoloft and hated it because it completely destroyed my sex drive. I tried Celexa and hated it because it made me very anxious. The one I went with was trazodone. It was very helpful in getting me to sleep and calming me down. Sleep is very important during depression. Also, continue maintaining all human contact: friends, spouse, children, parents, anybody else. If this fails, move to a poor country where life is hard but there is no depression. Depression is a disease of rich countries.
More sad news on Robin Williams: according to his wife Susan Schneider, Williams had early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
In light of this news, I understand why he took his own life. Parkinson’s is a HORRIBLE, long term wasting disease, very similar to Alzheimer’s. He lived his life on his terms, and he died on his own terms.