I know we’re all still trying to process the death of Robin Williams… I know I am. As I had serious problems getting to sleep last night, I thought of Robin’s career and the things that everyone has said about him in light of his passing, and specifically the rumor that he took his own life… … … Everyone has been saying “I loved Robin Williams” or “THE WHOLE WORLD loved Robin Williams.” And it makes me sit back and wonder… How can someone who is “loved” by so many people take his own life? And it occurred to me that “love is NOT all you need.”
Only Robin really knew what was missing from his life. We can only speculate. But I myself have spent the largest portion of my life battling severe depression. Now, I know that many who read this won’t believe it, because I have been told many times “there’s no way” or “you mask it so well.” You’re right, I do… I do it because it’s not socially acceptable to be depressed. No one wants to be around a “downer.”
When Robin performed, he brought his “A-Game” every time. EVERY time. And that is why he was so loved. He had to. Actors or comedians who show negative emotions don’t get called back for the next gig or audition. I have to do the same thing. I have to get out there and do my best to blow people’s socks off, in a manner of speaking, if I want to return to the stage next tour.
Here’s the problem. When you have no real outlet, those negative emotions need to get out. It’s like trying to hold in a belch… Do it too long, and you feel like you’re having a heart attack. You can’t hold things in too long. You have to have a person or a group of persons that you can vent to. And these people have to be strong and prepared. They have to know going into this relationship that there are times that it won’t be fun, and they might have to lend their shoulder to someone’s tears from time to time.
Take your anti-depressants or your St John’s Wort if you’d like… that’s fine. But, having someone in your life that can perhaps relate, or just say “I’m here” is the best love you can give. Having that relationship with a troubled soul can mend a broken spirit. It can do more than pills, and it can do more than just love alone.
I didn’t write this to bring attention to myself or my situation, or to in any way steal any attention away from Robin Williams. That’s not what this is about. It’s about putting your money where your mouth is. So many people who worked with Robin have said how “kind, loving, and generous” that he was. Well, did they really prove it to him? Did you tell him any of this while he was still alive? It was no secret that the man battled depression. We have Facebook, Twitter, TMZ… we know when celebs fart, for crying out loud… Your friends exhibit signs from time to time. It may not just be “a bad day” or “negative vibes” that you’re just not comfortable with at that moment. It could be full blown depression.
And I am going to go as far as saying this… If you are aware of someone who is dealing with ongoing severe depression, and you call yourself their friend or best friend, and you’ve not made an attempt to reach out to them… damn you. DAMN YOU! Robin showed us that life can take a tragic turn just like that. It can end in a literal heartbeat. And this is not about the fact that we don’t get to see his next Stand-Up special, or Mrs Doubtfire 2… it’s about a life could have went so much further if more people just said “I’m Here.”
“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.” – Robin Williams
The Alarida Journey 