Robin williams commits suicide due to depression

13/08/2014

Like millions of other people, I was saddened to hear of the death of Robin Williams. As a child I watched many episodes of Mork & Mindy and I even recall his first appearance as Mork on Happy Days! I can’t say I was such a devoted fan that I watched every movie he was ever in but I did see Good Will Hunting in which he played a therapist, Good Morning Vietnam in which he had the role of a radio announcer, Patch Adams and Mrs Doubtfire, in which he played a housekeeper.

Robin Williams generated many chuckles for TV  viewers and movie goers. Hopefully, Robin Williams will be remembered more for his highly entertaining body of work over decades than his tragic suicide by hanging.

If any good can come of this tragedy, let’s hope it makes people  more alert to symptoms of depression in their friends and loved ones.

THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

• If someone is expressing suicidal ideation, take it seriously and where possible direct them to a mental health professional for assessment and assistance.
• Changes in appetite, eating significantly more or less
• Changes in sleep pattern, sleeping significant  more or less
• Expressing thoughts of hopelessness, uselessness or worthlessness
• Loss of interest and/or pleasure in activities, work,
• Agitation, being unable to sit still or being slowed down
• Difficulty concentrating and/or difficulty making decisions
• Feeling tired
• Depressed mood, feeling sad or empty

If you  or a loved on is depressed seek help sooner rather than later. We have trained psychologists in Melbourne who can help you through the process, call now.