Robin Williams Depression

A lot of sadness can be hidden behind humor. It’s often said that some of the funniest and most outgoing people struggle with depression and loneliness. I remember seeing an interview around the time of Robin Williams’s death that said Robin was always putting on a show and performing for everyone, even if only a few people were around. But when it came to one on one conversation, he was always a little off and uncomfortable. For someone who lived to entertain others I’m sure there was both worse than being alone. Depression and Anxiety was something Robin struggled with for a very long time. It surely added to his suicide, but I don’t think it was the sole reason for it. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is really what sent Robin over
Parkinson’s disease causes dopamine levels to drop, which can drastically increase depression being that dopamine chemicals in the brain increase pleasure and motivation. I believe Robin began to struggle with meeting everyone’s expectations so much that he spent a lot more time alone, and being alone was something Robin hated. His illness began changing him mentally and physically and it destroyed him. He felt like a shadow of his former self. In some of his last interviews he looks completely checked out. He’s looking down, not smiling, and seems distant as if he was physically there but not mentally there. Robin Williams was a man who knew he had something special and used it to help people. Entertaining was the meaning of his entire existence and the thought of losing it caused him to take his own life. I grew up watching Robin Williams in Jumanji and Good Will Hunting. He was truly a gift to the world. He suffered with an abnormal condition for a very long time with his depression, addiction, and anxiety but I do not think that’s why he killed himself. Robin wanted to pass before he really changed, and wanted to be remembered for who a really was not just a person with Parkinson’s disease. It takes a lot of suffering to bring a person to suicide and it’s a shame that someone who brought everyone so much happiness could feel so much