Robin Williams committed suicide---WHY?

[Dawg LB Steve]

I had a chance to see him live at the taping of The Tonite Show when he was promoting the movie RV. All I can say is HOLY CRAP! I don't think I have ever laughed so hard and it was merely an interview!

[braukasper]

Depression is a very serious illness. Though I have never suffered it myself, I know people who have (including a friend who committed suicide), and they will tell you that it is a darkness unlike anything else. You can't just tell yourself to "cheer up". The brain simply doesn't work right, and sometimes medication just can't help. It's tragic, and my heart goes out to Robin Williams' family. Perhaps his death will spur on new R&D for mental illness.

Evily, that is an accurate description of it. You do not want to feel like that, you want to be happy like everybody else and just can't find a way to be happy. Depression is also a symptom of some psychical illness so a good medical work up is also necessary when one first starts feeling that way.

[DaYooper]

Took me by surprise as never would have though it. I mean, shoot, you just look at him and it is almost impossible not to smile.

The World According To Garp. Best. Movie. Ever!

[RickBeer]

Very said. One of the funniest people in history. His ability to ad lib was second only to Jonathan Winters, who he idolized.

He led a troubled life - I find it even more said that with all his friends, all his money, all his networking that he didn't see a way out. Very said.

Mental illness is something that many deal with and few succeed in dealing with.

[D_Rabbit]

This was defnitely a shock to find out yesterday. He will have a few more movies released over the next few months as well, including an indie film and Night at the Museum 3. He was signed up to do Mrs. Doubtfire 2 as well. It was interesting to read some of the articles written about his issues. Definitely a comedian icon gone way to soon.

[RickS]

It just shows that no matter how much money or how many comforts, or friends that you have, everyone is human and we can all suffer from a disease such as this. Such a loss for the world.

[braukasper]

isn't that the truth!! I have dealt with depression. My heart is with his family. The sad part is they are always going to think there is something they could have done, something they should have seen. A person can hide how they feel til it is too late.

[docpd]

I find it so ironic that a man who brought joy to so many was so consumed by depression that he felt the only way out was death. I have treated depression for 30 years and while treatment is usually successful, sometimes inexplicably it is not. Such a loss for the world

[Crazy Climber]

Parkinson's diagnosis, on top of all else that has been brought to light and/or speculated about. Quite likely that was the last straw, from his perspective.

[FedoraDave]

I've dealt with my own depression, and I know how frightening, paralyzing, and debilitating it can be. As more information about his Parkinson's diagnosis comes to light, I can't say I'm surprised that he wanted to put an end to it.

I don't think it's cowardly or weak; I think it's tragic. And my heart aches for someone who simply couldn't stand the turmoil of his own psyche and felt this was the only way to end it.

We can appreciate all he gave to the world (and it was a lot). But we also need to acknowledge and mourn what the world couldn't give to him. Sometimes it's just like that.

[FrozenInTime]

RIP Robin! Depression is a bad thing to have to overcome, sounds like it was brought on by Parkinson Disease. I feel sorry for his family, this kind of thing does more damage than imaginable. I wish he would have reached out and called for help instead of ending it.

What depresses me is this suicide has/is overshadowing the death of a great actress, Lauren Bacall, may she rest in peace!

[Chuck N]

What depresses me is this suicide has/is overshadowing the death of a great actress, Lauren Bacall, may she rest in peace!

And she took at least half of the class in the world with her when she passed.