RIP Robin Williams

[TigerClaw]

Robin Williams has died at the age of 63, Word is that he commited Suicide.
http://www.tmz.com/2014/08/11/robin-williams-dead-commits-suicide/

[MikeandRaph87]

Wow,this is shocking and unexpected! I wonder what could have lead to this tragedy.

[plastroncafe]

Reports are saying suicide and depression.
I'm heartbroken.

[Prowler]

I remember watching Dead Poets Society in class back in HS. Good movie.

RIP

[Jester]

WHAT!?

Man, this sucks. He's been suffering from depression and maybe even bi-polar disorder.

I'll miss you, Robin. One of my favorite actors.

[TurtleTitan97]

Well, my day is officially ruined. :cry: RIP Genie

[Peanut]

Is this sh*t for real!? F*CK!

[raphmike]

he good act and funny as i remember when i was child use to watch popeye
movie. all his family in my prayer.

[Jester]

Well, my day is officially ruined. :cry: RIP Genie Watching Aladdin right now, actually...figure why not introduce it to the lil' one now.

[Raph's Girl]

Sherrif's dept and his wife have all confirmed it. He'd been dealing with depression lately. :o :cry:

[turtlefanforever]

why is current news almost 100% deaths. Why's it gotta be glum. It's like an obituary section here. There's more going on in this world. Now onto the matter at hand..

RIP dude. He musta had some demons I get where he's coming from. Whatever was wrong it's behind him now and he's in a better place. Respect to him and his mourners. Just watched jamunji the other day too. He accomplished a lot in his life. He will live on. Kinda like what James Avery said in his shredder where are they now interviews (I'm paraphrasing here) As long as there is a video and recording you will live on forever throughout time.

[XERO]

My all time favorite comedian. F*ck.

[Netkeeper]

The first time I saw this thread I clicked off because I didn't want to believe it

Then a few minutes later my brother came in and told me he saw the news elsewhere

**** this

[Blossombrooks]

Oh god no :( the poor man. I hope he found the peace he was looking for.

[TurtleTitan97]

Watching Aladdin right now, actually...figure why not introduce it to the lil' one now.

That's always been one of my top favorite animated films t date, if not mostly because of Genie himself.

Is he enjoying it so far?

[Donatello19]

I can't believe this, what a shame. He was an such an amazing guy... :(

[Slade]

I'll be damn. RIP.

[JTH]

Robin was my favorite actor/comedian next to Leslie Nielsen. And now both of them are gone.

There is literally nothing I am happy about right now. :cry:

[Jester]

That's always been one of my top favorite animated films t date, if not mostly because of Genie himself.

Is he enjoying it so far?
Seems interested...but Al just entered the Cave of Wonders, so...

[pennydreadful]

Sh*t, that is so sad. He brought a lot of laughter and joy to people. Depression is a horrible illness. :cry:

[Ninjinister]

It's been a long while since losing someone I've never met actually hurt. This definitely does.

[Gin Rummy]

This is horrible. I was a huge fan growing up. Used to watch Ms Doubtfire, Hook, & Jumanji all the time when I was little. So Sad. He was an amazingly gifted comedian. RIP.

[ObiWanFan4life]

:cry: Damn, now I Feel Depressed. R.I.P. Robin Williams. My condolences to his family.

[TigerClaw]

He was also a gamer, He named his Daughter Zelda, After the Legend of Zelda game.

[triplexxx]

It's hard enough to hear about natural death, but this, and to one of the greatest comedic talents for the last several decades, and not just comedy, Robin was great with drama and other genres too, whatever troubles he was going through, at least they're over now, RIP Robin Williams.

[ryukenden]

This is so sad. RIP Robin Williams.

[Raphies]

I was just thinking of a good actor he was yesterday...

Like when I found out today I didn't really want to believe it. Is it bad I started crying? I didn't know how much of a role he played in my childhood 'til now.

[CyberCubed]

Whenever a celebrity commits suicide, it just proves that being rich and famous doesn't automatically mean happiness.

Quite shocking to see him go, wasn't he just on a new show with Sarah Michelle Gellar recently?

[RaphAndDonnie]

Just heard about this via Faceook...terrible, terrible news. I loved a select numer of his works...Mrs. Doubtfire a prominent example...:cry:

[Katie]

I hope that for as much pain he must have been in.......that he feels ten times the love and peace in the afterlife.

Heaven has a funny new angel in place.

[Netkeeper]

Oh god I said I wasnt' going to cry and then I saw Dante Basco's tumblr post (http://rufiozuko.tumblr.com/post/94475287487/oh-my-god-i-just-found-out-my-dear-old-friend)

THAT WAS IT THIS IS TOO MUCH FOR ME

[DarkLightDragon]

Yuuno, it's not just knowing that he's now dead that hurts, but the way he went is what really makes it sadder. Guess it just goes to show that while it may be easy to make people smile or laugh, it's harder to do the same for yourself sometimes.

My condolences to his family and friends, and especially to his daughter Zelda.

May you RIP.

[Wildcat]

I just saw this here and was shocked. I literally gasped out loud. I don't think I've ever been so surprised by the death of a celebrity except Michael Jackson.

He was still young and fine. Had no idea he was battling depression.

There was recently news of a Mrs. Doubtfire 2. I was really looking forward to that.

[zodiac brave]

seriously saddened.

rest in peace.

:'(

[JTH]

This is another example why people should never scoff over depression like it's no big deal.

Depression is a very terrible and horrifying thing.

[Werecat]

Shocking news. I can't believe someone like Robin Williams had severe depression. Rest in peace Robin Williams. I wish his family and friends strength to endure this heartbreak.

[pennydreadful]

You're right on the money there, JTH. There is no right or wrong way to act when you have depression, and this is why it's important to be supportive of mental health issues.

Also damnit Net, that Tumblr post got me all choked up! :cry:

Robin Williams touched a lot of people through his life - I doubt there's a person on these boards who doesn't have fond memories of many of his movies. This is a sad, tragic ending for a talented man, and he will be missed.

[Ninjinister]

Came across this at the bottom of a news article on the story... excuse me while I go sob a bit

http://instagram.com/p/rIlM1LKuwr/

[Forneus]

A true legend. He made my childhood. What a brutal loss.

[TigerClaw]

I saw this posted on Twitter.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuzN48kIcAAlhT_.jpg:large

[TheCanadiandrome]

This is another example why people should never scoff over depression like it's no big deal.

Depression is a very terrible and horrifying thing.

Exactly

I don't even know what to say, cept RIP! :cry: :(

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Sometimes...one is just at a loss for words. But I will try.

A man that gave a lot of joy and passion, and So Much Energy that it was contagious. Even if a film of his wasn't the best, you can see that HE was giving it his all and wasn't slumming or 'by the numbers'.

Stand Up, Films, TV...even Inside the Actor's Studio...he is and always will be one of the Greats in that Realm of Comedy.

We'll Miss You. Rest in Peace, Sir.

fDTKypXUwoI

[Leo656]

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed. :cry:

[ObiWanFan4life]

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed. :cry:

His performance in Insomnia made him on of my favorite actors. A part of me died inside upon hearing this.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed. :cry:


You hit the nail on the head once again, Leo. This is the most depressing and unexpected bit of news I've heard since Avery died. Robin Williams various roles have been such a huge part of my childhood and even adult life, it almost seems like losing a part of myself. He's one of the FEW actors I've always admired, both for his talent and for his "real-life" personality and values. Two of my favorite roles of his were Batty Coda in Fern Gully, and Genie from Aladdin. But he shone best in his more dramatic roles, particularly the slightly creepy 1 Hour Photo and Insomnia. He was such a gifted actor, and I can't believe he's gone.

We were out at the movies and having lunch today, and then came home to this news- it was just such a blow after a fun day, and really makes it hit home just how ephemeral life can be. I am truly sad for his family, and this is truly a great loss to the world. Merry part, Robin, and Merry meet again in the next world. :tcry:

[Leo656]

Suicide is obviously a very private and personal thing, but I've always felt like the very least a person could do is leave a note. The absolute least you owe the people you leave behind is an explanation. How can anyone understand why you left if you won't tell us? How are we supposed to relate to your pain? I've had people in my family commit suicide, and they made their reasons clear, and while nobody in the family condones what they did, at the least none of us are going to spend our lives wondering why. And it does ease the pain, even a tiny bit. Nothing's worse than not knowing.

You're going to hurt a lot of people; the least you could do is tell them why. I hate that. :cry:

[Miotas]

I am so heart broken by this :( His movies where my childhood. I would watch Mrs. Doubtfire over and over. So sad to know he was depressed. Depression is so over looked. RIP Robin Williams you will be greatly missed :(

[Jester]

AR_oQvjKiCM

[Bry]

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed. :cry:

Really, really well-put, man.

I've been just kinda stunned since I heard, not quite believing it. He brought a lot of laughter and happiness into peoples' lives, both on screen and in-person, and it sucks that we had to lose that, and it sucks that we had to lose it to this specifically. Depression can hit absolutely anyone. We can only hope that more people will realize that and take the steps to reach out for help, I guess.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Suicide is obviously a very private and personal thing, but I've always felt like the very least a person could do is leave a note. The absolute least you owe the people you leave behind is an explanation. How can anyone understand why you left if you won't tell us? How are we supposed to relate to your pain? I've had people in my family commit suicide, and they made their reasons clear, and while nobody in the family condones what they did, at the least none of us are going to spend our lives wondering why. And it does ease the pain, even a tiny bit. Nothing's worse than not knowing.

You're going to hurt a lot of people; the least you could do is tell them why. I hate that. :cry:

Despite my personal feelings aside about suicide, I couldn't agree more.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

AR_oQvjKiCM


Jester, that clip was so fitting, thank you for that. I'm sure that he's upstairs somewhere making all the angels laugh.....

[Wingnut]

5NNXKJ0AbUc

Makes me laugh instantly.

[pennydreadful]

I think the thing is with suicide that you're not always thinking clearly at that point. When I had planned my suicide, I wasn't thinking clearly enough to write a note - that didn't even come into the equation, and it never crossed my mind to even consider doing it. The vast majority of people who commit suicide don't leave notes (around two thirds, if my memory serves correctly). People just think it's more common because that's the way it's portrayed in TV shows and movies.

Even if a note is left, a lot of the time it doesn't provide any concrete answers, or help the people who are left behind.

[alliance]

what if they don't know why they did this?

the fact that someone would even leave a note boggles my mind,

when someone leaves a note that means they PROBABLY could've been talked out of it, the ones who don't simply just wants to leave and period, perhaps Robin wanted that, he just wanted out..........

I cant help but think of Zelda though, u would think he would've told her but I guess we don't have their life so we cant really judge now can we..

[Raven]

Having dealt with people commit suicide in the last year or so its hard for me to not be pissed and saddened by this news.

I'm really just in shock, I know I never knew the guy personally but I felt like I grew up with him. Now just knowing he's not there just pisses me off.

I'm more mad for his wife and kids and grandkids. They lose out the most, damn I hate this.

[Tora]

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_14078235723149&key=42566bbcff5172568bc761e3f120410e&libId=72f1841a-f7da-439d-8fd0-6ba03f940f0a&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rangerboard.com%2Fshowthread. php%3Ft%3D170074%26page%3D4&v=1&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rangerboard.com%2Fshowthread. php%3Ft%3D170074%26page%3D6&out=http%3A%2F%2Fa.dilcdn.com%2Fbl%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2013%2F12%2FGift_A laddin.jpg&title=%5BOT%5D%20Robin%20Williams%20dies.%20-%20Page%204%20-%20RangerBoard&txt=

[arkangel]

Absolutely shocked and heartbroken.... :cry:
He was such a major influence to so many people. Just recently when we posted in the "3 things people don't know about you" thread, I was surprised that 2 of my 3 had Robin Williams in it. Hearing of his passing, I'm even more acutely aware of how much enjoyment he brought to my own life. From winning a Mork and Mindy boardgame at age 8 to actually meeting him by accident on a ferry ride to Vancouver Island in my 30s, and the tons of films and comedy sketches in between.
The Sad Clown comment on one of the news sites was so fitting and in such a good way. His comedy was brilliant but his moments of joyful sadness were just as powerful. Movies like Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet's Society, Good Morning Vietnam, Hook, Ms Doubtfire , god these are just some off the top of my head, that had such a range of emotion. Comedy, joy, and moments of completely naked and vulnerable inner sadness that made him so relateable. God bless you Robin and may you be at peace. You gave so much to us..

[TheBlueTurtle1]

Such a shame. Mrs Doubtfire will always be one of my favs. R.I.P.:cry:

[Lou 500]

Rest in Peace, Mr. Williams. :tsad:

[Leo656]

I think the thing is with suicide that you're not always thinking clearly at that point. When I had planned my suicide, I wasn't thinking clearly enough to write a note - that didn't even come into the equation, and it never crossed my mind to even consider doing it. The vast majority of people who commit suicide don't leave notes (around two thirds, if my memory serves correctly). People just think it's more common because that's the way it's portrayed in TV shows and movies.

Even if a note is left, a lot of the time it doesn't provide any concrete answers, or help the people who are left behind.

I can understand that, I guess. I've written and thrown away a hundred of them. I just think doing it is bad enough without leaving people confused and possibly self-loathing, y'know? Like, what if I did it, and someone blamed themselves who had nothing to do with it, and then they were overcome with grief and guilt and then they did it? That'd be horrible. Personally, I just always figured if it came to it, I wouldn't want to leave anyone wondering. It wouldn't be fair to them. But you're right, in that state of mind nobody's entirely considering the consequences.

Doing that when you have kids, though... that's heavy. I never wanted kids, but if I had them I can't imagine putting them through that. I guess he figured they'd be able to deal with it. Some people truly do feel like everyone else would not just be able to cope, but in fact be "better off" without them. :( I guess maybe he was in that kind of place, mentally. We'll never know. :cry:

[Netkeeper]

Imgur's front page has tons of Robin Williams gifs and tributes right now.

http://i.imgur.com/qPV0WcU.gif
This one hit really hard.

[joefsas]

Rip :(
nanu nanu!

[pennydreadful]

I can understand that, I guess. I've written and thrown away a hundred of them. I just think doing it is bad enough without leaving people confused and possibly self-loathing, y'know? Like, what if I did it, and someone blamed themselves who had nothing to do with it, and then they were overcome with grief and guilt and then they did it? That'd be horrible. Personally, I just always figured if it came to it, I wouldn't want to leave anyone wondering. It wouldn't be fair to them. But you're right, in that state of mind nobody's entirely considering the consequences.

Doing that when you have kids, though... that's heavy. I never wanted kids, but if I had them I can't imagine putting them through that. I guess he figured they'd be able to deal with it. Some people truly do feel like everyone else would not just be able to cope, but in fact be "better off" without them. :( I guess maybe he was in that kind of place, mentally. We'll never know. :cry:

I understand where you're coming from, Leo - and I can't speak for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, but I don't imagine that having a note really stops the the loved ones from blaming themselves, or feeling helpless/feeling that they could have done something.

To someone who is feeling suicidal - people feeling that way just want the pain to stop. They're feeling emotionally isolated and hopeless, so a lot of the time they feel that they are a burden to their loved ones, and they really underestimate what the impact of their suicide would be to others.

Suicide is a very taboo topic, so if nothing else I hope that this gets people talking a bit more about depression. The really sad thing is that people often don't realize how much someone else means to them until it's too late. So if you love someone - tell them. If you're suffering from depression - reach out and get the help you need. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.

I certainly didn't think about what a big part Robin Williams' movies had played in my life until today. It's a reminder that we shouldn't take things for granted. Robin - thanks for the good times, man.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cb/61/2f/cb612f7a3fd937ff7c3062562ab6d289.jpg

[Hannurdock]

RIP Robin. I loved him in Patch Adams. He was such a character.

[ObiWanFan4life]

In Jeremy Jahns' review , there's a link to donate to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

7wESAPVUdSI

[BubblyShell22]

I just heard about his death this morning. Such a tragedy. I remember him as Genie, Batty Coda, Mrs. Doubfire, and the dad in Hook. He definitely touched a lot of lives and was good at what he did. He will truly be missed. It just goes to show that depression is a serious thing and sometimes it's not as easy to "get over it" as many may think. My condolences go out to his wife and children as well as all who knew him and were fans of him. It is truly a sad day indeed.

[the fixer]

Terrible, terrible news... A huge loss.

RIP, mr.Williams. You will be missed.

[DarkFell]

I'm still shocked by all of this. While our lives go on, Robin stopped his. And that is very sad, but I also read that he was also troubled as well. And while I feel a mixture of emotions over this information, what I also feel is all that he has done during his entertainment career and who he was will never be totally forgotten.

No one wins with suicide, nor does anyone win from suicide. Everyone loses and this is an ugly and painful truth.

[Leo656]

pennydreadful: all good points, and well-said. And you're right, knowing why it happened doesn't always help the surviving family. My cousin stole a lot of money from another cousin and went on a coke binge. He apologized to her, blamed his addiction, and asked for forgiveness. She said to him, "I understand, but I'm angry and I can't trust you anymore because you stole from me, I'm in a lot of debt now because of what you did, and I'm not ready to forgive you right now." So, he blew his head off later that day. She carried the guilt of that for a long time. :ohwell: She didn't say "I'll never forgive you", she said "I'm not ready to forgive you right now", but the fact that he killed himself directly due to the despair he felt in that moment made her feel incredibly guilty. We don't talk about it much; it was a long time ago but it's never going to be a comfortable subject.

But yeah, knowing the "why" doesn't always make things better. But I still feel like it's better than not knowing. My mother's death was most likely an accident, but she may have killed herself, and my sister and I both still struggle with that, 17 years later, wondering if there was anything we could have done. I know in my heart there wasn't; I tried, believe me I spent my entire childhood trying to "save" her from herself, but she just loved drugs and alcohol more than anything and there was no way she was ever going to have a long life. She was only 47; it was probably an accident, but her life was in a terrible place and there's at least some chance it was on purpose, and the fact that I'll never know still bothers me. I have nightmares almost every night, for years, that she's still alive, or that she died but somehow "came back", but she always dies again right in front of me and there's nothing I can do about it. It's partly why I don't sleep well.

I'unno. This is tough. There was a thing on CNN about Williams on TV at the gym this morning. I think I'll watch "Popeye" when I get home from work later. :ohwell:

[RaphaelinSTL]

I was out getting dinner when the news broke and my brother immediately called me. I had just seen people's posts about it on social media as soon as he called me and it really shook me up.

What a loss. Robin was tremendous and such a kind soul. It's so heartbreaking to hear how much struggle he was in. :(

[pharaohyami5000]

...

Rest in the most peaceful place you can ever be, Robin Williams. We will never forget you, your helpful advices and we will keep the spark of madness going for you.

[Candy Kappa]

It's still hard to digest this, when I read about this passing when I woke up I thought it had to be a hoax.

Breaks my heart.

[Leo656]

Everyone read.
http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/robin-williams-why-funny-people-kill-themselves/

Never in my entire life have I seen it put so well.

[BubblyShell22]

Just watched TMZ Live, and they said that he hung himself and that he had some superficial cuts on his wrist which indicates he was trying to cut his wrists. Looks like he just couldn't deal with it anymore and decided to just kill himself. So sad to hear that though, and my heart goes out to his family, especially his kids. I don't think we'll ever know why he decided to do this, and that's what's so hard with something like this.

[ObiWanFan4life]

Everyone read.
http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/robin-williams-why-funny-people-kill-themselves/

Never in my entire life have I seen it put so well.

As hard to hear as this article is, it's the hard and sad truth.

[arkangel]

Everyone read.
http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/robin-williams-why-funny-people-kill-themselves/

Never in my entire life have I seen it put so well.

Thanks for sharing this my friend. It really gets to the cold hard truth and hits you where you live.

[pennydreadful]

Sorry to hear about your struggles with your mum's death, Leo. Dealing with a family member who's a drug addict is really hard, I can't even imagine what it must have been like for you. I think I've mentioned my estranged sister is a drug addict and I've never been able to move past the anger I have towards her.

The Cracked article was good too.

I think Robin Williams' death is bringing up a lot of feelings for people.

[Chris]

RIP Robin Williams, I pray Peter Pan has found his happy thoughts once more.

"Genie, I'm... I'm gonna miss you"

[Metalwolf]

As hard to hear as this article is, it's the hard and sad truth.Agreed.

I only learned about this today, I didn't know that he was suffering from depression, or that it was getting to that point.

But once I knew, and that it had come to this, I didn't feel surprised.

Reason is, I had felt that way before myself, so I know how miserable it makes you. You get a sort of 'tunnel vision' and a severe sort of black and white thinking that makes thinking rationally very hard. The pain you feel becomes immense, and you are consumed with nothing but making it go away. You can only think up negative memories and feelings, and it's like everything just goes grey. The article writer is correct that fame, fortune, family and whatever doesn't end up mattering when that misery gets that bad. It just feel like you are in hell.

Fortunately I've never actually attempted, but it was a lot of thoughts of just diving in front of a car or letting myself fall asleep outside at night in the dead of winter, letting myself be taken away indirectly instead of some violent act or through poisoning. One thing I would often hope for in that time was that I'd get struck down by a car quickly (I bike everywhere) and that it would crush my head so I felt nothing. It's ghoulish thoughts now, but when you are that miserable, such thoughts felt comforting, as I'd finally be free.

I don't feel like that now, but when I did, it was awful.

[CyberCubed]

I really have no clue why people let themselves get so depressed. There's medication, your family/friends, or psychiatrists to see to help you.

The scary thing is people who are actually rich and have families that kill themselves like the case here. I guess money doesn't bring happiness.

[Xav]

You know he actually was a TMNT fan? He read the Mirage comics, and was the one who convinced Judith Hoag to try out for the role of April.

[Leo656]

I really have no clue why people let themselves get so depressed. There's medication, your family/friends, or psychiatrists to see to help you.

The scary thing is people who are actually rich and have families that kill themselves like the case here. I guess money doesn't bring happiness.

This is where genuine mental illness becomes a factor. "Depression" doesn't mean you're sad. It's a condition, no different from schizophrenia, bipolarity, etc. I misunderstood it greatly when I was younger, before counseling, which helped greatly. These are things some people are born with, and others develop over time. But it can no more be controlled with "positive thoughts" or lots of money than you can grow six inches just by thinking really hard. You can't "wish" your way out of it. When you have a condition, your brain is simply wired differently than other people. And the first step to getting out of it, is to know that for yourself.

Medication and psychiatrists cost money, and lots of it, and being medicated is tricky because there's no "Magic Pill" that works for everyone. If you're misdiagnosed, or prescribed the wrong medicine, it can actually make your condition WORSE, and even cause MORE depression and suicidal thoughts. A lot of it is guesswork until you find the right meds, and in the meanwhile, a lot can go tragically wrong. I've never been medicated, as I've been told my own condition doesn't warrant it, thankfully. For some people it's just one more complication.

Finally, and this is important, some people have no friends or family to turn to. Seems hard to believe, but especially in these days where everyone is living their life through a computer screen, people are becoming dangerously isolated. I'm surrounded by people, constantly, friends, co-workers, etc... but they aren't friends. They don't genuinely care about me, and I know that, because at times when I "let my guard down" and let them in, try to hint that I may have something I need help with, they push me away, just like the article I posted explains. Nobody cares about anyone else's problems, not really. They're an inconvenience, generally. So, when you know you have no one to turn to, you just bottle things up until you snap. Sometimes you "snap" permanently. Unless you've been there, you can't understand. I don't have any family, which is why it hurts so much when my wife and I don't get along, because I do treasure her, because she's all I have.

So, those things that seem like such easy solutions - meds, counseling, friends and family - just aren't available to everyone. Simple as that.

[pennydreadful]

I really have no clue why people let themselves get so depressed. There's medication, your family/friends, or psychiatrists to see to help you.

The scary thing is people who are actually rich and have families that kill themselves like the case here. I guess money doesn't bring happiness.

I have no clue why people let themselves get epilepsy. Or diabetes. Or Parkinson's Disease.

Gosh, could it possibly be that mental illness... is not a choice? Like nearly every other freaking illness out there? That some people struggle for years to find a medication that works? Seriously Cubed, you don't just take a pill, go to a few counselling sessions and voila - it's fixed for the rest of your life.

I know you're just being you but jesus... so not in the mood today.

[Netkeeper]

There's medication, your family/friends, or psychiatrists to see to help you.
if its that easy then please

makes money gesture

give me the cash so i can afford to go see a doctor

[plastroncafe]

I can't speak for other people with Major Depression, but I'm just in it for the sweet lucrative endorsement deals.

[pennydreadful]

I'm in it for the attention. Makes me feel all special inside.

[Netkeeper]

i'm in it to get out of having a job because everyone feels sorry for me and hopes i get better instead of denying i actually have anything wrong with me in the first place and saying i'm just lazy or a liar

[Wildcat]

Wow you guys really jumped down his throat about the meds, family/friends and psychiatrist thing.

No one is saying you get instantly cured but those ARE things you SHOULD do to get help. Just like with any illness. You don't let it go or ignore it.

Turning to family, friends or mental help is not worth the effort is a terrible thing to imply. Which is what you guys sound like.

[Netkeeper]

really because i specifically stated i cant afford to see a doctor

id LOVE to see one in fact if my town had a hospital i would have already walked to it and admitted myself to the ER i am incredibly desperate

[TurtleTitan97]

You know he actually was a TMNT fan? He read the Mirage comics, and was the one who convinced Judith Hoag to try out for the role of April.

Whoa, seriously?!:o

If that's true, that's pretty awesome. Thanks Williams!:tgrin:

[Wildcat]

really because i specifically stated i cant afford to see a doctor

id LOVE to see one in fact if my town had a hospital i would have already walked to it and admitted myself to the ER i am incredibly desperateI don't know if you're being serious or sarcastic but not being able to afford medical help is a poor excuse for something as serious as suicide

What if you were in some kind of accident or came in contact with somthing toxic? You're gonna just be all...well can't afford it, hope I don't die.

Ya right.

[plastroncafe]

Wow you guys really jumped down his throat about the meds, family/friends and psychiatrist thing.

No one is saying you get instantly cured but those ARE things you SHOULD do to get help. Just like with any illness. You don't let it go or ignore it.

Turning to family, friends or mental help is not worth the effort is a terrible thing to imply. Which is what you guys sound like.

More terrible than the implication that my depression is my own fault because I let it get bad?
Because I'm going to have to disagree with you there.

But please, continue to tell me how to manage my genetic predispositions, random stranger on the internet.

[Netkeeper]

i've already run into something toxic. its name is depression.

[Leo656]

Oof. Some stuff jabs bein' thrown all'a sudden. People ought'a take a second to read and review before they hit "Submit", I'm thinkin'.

[pennydreadful]

People jump down his throat because they're sick of him constantly saying ignorant things, when it's perfectly obvious that he actually knows better.

Not everybody is able to admit that they need help in the first place. The entire point is that when you have a mental illness, the way you are thinking at that time seems perfectly normal. You don't always realize that you're sick, that your thinking is illogical or irrational or unhealthy. You think that the way you're feeling makes perfect sense. It creeps up on you a little bit at a time. It's hard to get treated for a problem when you don't realize that you have it.

[Wildcat]

More terrible than the implication that my depression is my own fault because I let it get bad?
Because I'm going to have to disagree with you there.

But please, continue to tell me how to manage my genetic predispositions, random stranger on the internet. Yes, exactly, Im saying its the person's fault...well you got me.

Seriously you know what I meant. You don't let things escalate...that goes for any illness.

Should we all ignore our medical problems just so we can debate who has it worse? :roll:

[Candy Kappa]

medicines don't always work, or they work just enough so you can get through one day at a time.

[plastroncafe]

Yes, exactly, Im saying its the person's fault...well you got me.

Seriously you know what I meant. You don't let things escalate...that goes for any illness.

Should we all ignore our medical problems just so we can debate who has it worse? :roll:

I'm not sure what I love more about this comment, the obvious fact that you know absolutely nothing about depression or bipolar disorder, or the fact that you're trying to backpedal your comment by employing the slippery slope defense.

Cyber is being an insensitive heel and we called him out on that.

[arkangel]

Not everybody is able to admit that they need help in the first place. The entire point is that when you have a mental illness, the way you are thinking at that time seems perfectly normal. You don't always realize that you're sick, that your thinking is illogical or irrational or unhealthy. You think that the way you're feeling makes perfect sense. It creeps up on you a little bit at a time. It's hard to get treated for a problem when you don't realize that you have it.

This is 100% on the mark. Working as a psychiatric nurse for 20 years, I can say from experience that this is unfortunately the norm and what makes mental illnesses so insideous and difficult to treat. Well said.

[Leo656]

Many people don't even get the right medication right away, as I mentioned. Sometimes you get something that makes everything worse, and then things can get scary real quick.

Again, no "Magic Pill" that works for everyone, unfortunately. And some people don't need to or want to take pills, they just feel alone and wish they had someone to talk to or be with. Everybody's different. Nobody's all depressed for the same reasons and nobody's all so easy to "fix" as it seems on paper. Life don't work that way.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

Wow you guys really jumped down his throat about the meds, family/friends and psychiatrist thing.

No one is saying you get instantly cured but those ARE things you SHOULD do to get help. Just like with any illness. You don't let it go or ignore it.

Turning to family, friends or mental help is not worth the effort is a terrible thing to imply. Which is what you guys sound like.

I agree with this. I really liked Robin Williams and he was tied to more than one April O'Neil actress, coincidentally (I loved his new show, "The Crazy Ones," with Sarah Michelle Gellar). But I don't feel sorry for anyone who does something like this, what with all of the resources out there-- I understand that some of you can't afford to go to doctors and get treatment but he could have gotten the best. It is still very sad, but there's no excuse for simply bailing on life when things get tough, in my opinion. That's all.

[Wildcat]

Not everybody is able to admit that they need help in the first place. The entire point is that when you have a mental illness, the way you are thinking at that time seems perfectly normal. You don't always realize that you're sick, that your thinking is illogical or irrational or unhealthy. You think that the way you're feeling makes perfect sense. It creeps up on you a little bit at a time. It's hard to get treated for a problem when you don't realize that you have it.Ya I can understand that. Its the way some people are talking here...seeking help is kinda pointless because It probably won't do much good in the long run.

If someone told you that they didn't wanna live anymore would you?...

try to get them some help before something bad happens

or would you say,

well really people don't understand these things and not much works soooo...but good luck with that.
___
I'd hope it was the first one.

[pennydreadful]

Thankyou arkangel. :)

[Netkeeper]

Ya I can understand that. Its the way some people are talking here...seeking help is kinda pointless because It probably won't do much good in the long run.

If someone told you that they didn't wanna live anymore would you?...

try to get them some help before something bad happens

or would you say,

well really people don't understand these things and not much works soooo...but good luck with that.
___
I'd hope it was the first one.
Nobody is saying we'd go with the second option, dude. I think you're terribly misunderstanding what's being said here.

[BubblyShell22]

As others have said, medicine isn't always the best cure, and some people who suffer from depression don't feel like talking to someone. They just want to be left alone and not be bothered. If that's the case, then nothing anyone says will help. That's just the way it is. It's nobody's fault if they have depression, and it can be caused by a lot of different things.

[Metalwolf]

But I don't feel sorry for anyone who does something like this, what with all of the resources out there-- I understand that some of you can't afford to go to doctors and get treatment but he could have gotten the best. It is still very sad, but there's no excuse for simply bailing on life when things get tough, in my opinion. That's all.But ultimately, even with all of the resources at his disposal, most of it still comes down to taking the same meds that everybody else gets prescribed, going to therapy, and hoping that whatever the doctor gives you ends up kicking in soon. There is no 'magic pill' medicine that the rich can get that a poor person wouldn't also have gotten prescribed.

And he didn't 'bail on life,' it just got so bad that he was unable to take it anymore, which is why they Baker Act such people. They are out of their mind at that point, which is the state Mr. Williams was getting to.

[DarkLightDragon]

As others have said, medicine isn't always the best cure, and some people who suffer from depression don't feel like talking to someone. They just want to be left alone and not be bothered. If that's the case, then nothing anyone says will help. That's just the way it is. It's nobody's fault if they have depression, and it can be caused by a lot of different things.

Agreed. While I may not have gone through depression or personally knew someone who did, I can see it's something that's more than just "being sad" and would never think it's as simple as solving than getting. Another reason why it's probably not easy to admit is because one doesn't want others to worry about you. Or people who are depressed are really good at hiding it so they'd never assume something's wrong. You probably just think bottling it all up in hope it'll eventually go away. But when it doesn't, then it becomes hard to think clearly, the pain becomes too unbearable, and you just want it to end as quickly as possible.

Again, I have no experience/prior knowledge of depression nor what really goes on in a suicidal person's mind. Nor do I ever really want to. This is all speculation on my part and could very well be proven wrong, so forgive me if I come off a bit of a 'know-it-all.'

[BubblyShell22]

No, what you said makes total sense. My cousin's best friend committed suicide, and she showed no outward signs of being depressed at all. My cousin was there for her and had talked to her before she killed herself, and she seemed fine. So sometimes it's not easy to know if someone is depressed or not. My aunt suffers from it, and I just hope that she never gets so bad that she takes her own life.

[Guitar_Raph]

A Robin Williams moment.

n0v5TIbTG9Q

[BubblyShell22]

Just found out Robin had the beginning stages of Parkinson's disease. Poor guy!

[plastroncafe]

Gosh, I wonder if it's okay to feel sorry for him now, she says sarcastically.

[Jephael]

Being somewhat of a clinically depressed individual myself, I know how it feels to contemplate taking the easy way out. There've been times I thought about jumping off a tall building or drowning myself in a river, but then I started to think of all of my loved ones who I would never have the chance to talk with ever again.

Last year while visiting my cousin and his fiancé in San Francisco, I got to see Robin Williams' house. I knew my chances of meeting him were slim, but part of me hoped I'd get the opportunity to shake hands with him and thank him for all the wonderful memories. After hearing the sad news about his passing, I wish even more that it had happened.

[BubblyShell22]

Gosh, I wonder if it's okay to feel sorry for him now, she says sarcastically.

Are you directing this at me? Because if you are, I never said I didn't feel sorry for him. I'm sad for the choice he made and I feel sorry for his family, but no one really knows what goes through someone's mind when they're depressed and feeling low. He probably got this diagnosis and just didn't want to have to go through all of that because he wouldn't be able to work or do anything eventually. So he felt he didn't want to live that way and just killed himself.

But if you aren't directing this at me, then fine. It's hard to tell what you mean here.

[Darth Knuckles]

I couldn't believe this when I heard it. I was watching tv and a special report popped up on the screen. He made me laugh a whole lot growing up. Yet for how funny he was he always had a very emotional moment in every movie he was in or character he played. Mrs. Doubtfire was a great movie and Aladdin is my third favorite Animated movie of all time. For me character-wise I'll remember him the most for Mrs. Doubtfire and Genie. I will miss him. :tcry:

[turtlefanforever]

Just a head up Tomorrow night at 9pm TVland is playing a tribute to Robin Williams

[Jester]

"I got this movie while I was still shooting Cadillac Man and had to fly off to North Carolina on the weekends. Everyone wondered what kind of strange movie I was off doing. Only Robin had heard of the Ninja Turtles. He had collected all of the comic books and couldn`t wait to see the movie. He brought his kids to the premiere and surprised me."
-Judith Hoag

[Dirty Blond]

"I got this movie while I was still shooting Cadillac Man and had to fly off to North Carolina on the weekends. Everyone wondered what kind of strange movie I was off doing. Only Robin had heard of the Ninja Turtles. He had collected all of the comic books and couldn`t wait to see the movie. He brought his kids to the premiere and surprised me."
-Judith Hoag

That's great to hear he was such a fan, and from the start as well.

InB4 'The new movie made him do it!'

[Netkeeper]

InB4 'The new movie made him do it!'
That's a pretty awful thing to say.

[turtlefanforever]

Just another heads up 9pm tonight on TVland they will be playing a special tribute to him. He was/is a wonderful man and will be missed.

[Storm Eagle]

The Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior aired Aladdin this weekend, commerical-free, in memory of Robin Williams. After that was a message that said "In Memory of Robin Williams, who made us laugh".

One of my friends thinks it's cruel of Disney to have shown Aladdin on their networks so early, especially considering that some fans wrote "Genie, you're free," in their goodbyes to him. I don't know though. I thought it was kind of nice.

[Netkeeper]

I don't see anything wrong with it. I've been wanting to sit down and watch some Robin Williams movies myself, particularly Hook and Mrs. Doubtfire, as well as checking out some of the ones I didn't see.

Some people might think its too soon, but others might find it to be a nice way to deal with it. Everyone reacts to these things differently.

However, I hate the "Genie, you're free" thing. I don't agree with that choice of words.

[DarkLightDragon]

I honestly would've been shocked if Disney didn't respond in some way or do something in memory of him such as re-airing Aladdin. Especially considering how his voice-work in that film essentially made voice-acting the popular thing to do for celebrities since then.

[ObiWanFan4life]

I honestly would've been shocked if Disney didn't respond in some way or do something in memory of him such as re-airing Aladdin. Especially considering how his voice-work in that film essentially made voice-acting the popular thing to do for celebrities since then.

They aired it on Disney XD yesterday with a message at the end that said : "In memory of Robin Williams, who made us laugh."

[DarkLightDragon]

They aired it on Disney XD yesterday with a message at the end that said : "In memory of Robin Williams, who made us laugh."

I know, I even mentioned it in my last post in the "Last movie you watched?" topic.

I was just saying if they didn't do anything.

[ObiWanFan4life]

I know, I even mentioned it in my last post in the "Last movie you watched?" topic.

I was just saying if they didn't do anything.

Oh, my mistake.

[Storm Eagle]

I don't see anything wrong with it. I've been wanting to sit down and watch some Robin Williams movies myself, particularly Hook and Mrs. Doubtfire, as well as checking out some of the ones I didn't see.

Some people might think its too soon, but others might find it to be a nice way to deal with it. Everyone reacts to these things differently.

However, I hate the "Genie, you're free" thing. I don't agree with that choice of words.

Maybe the "Genie, you're free" thing was a little much. Everything else still seems fair game to me though.

Also, there will be a non-playable Robin Williams-tribute character in World of Warcraft. There may also be one in a future Legend of Zelda game.

http://www.toonzone.net/2014/08/nintendo-mulling-robin-williams-zelda-tribute-character/?clickTag=%%CLICK_URL_ESC_ESC%%

[Netkeeper]

Oh man, that video at the end of that article is precious.

[Storm Eagle]

Oh man, that video at the end of that article is precious.

You know, it might be one of my favorite commercials.

[BubblyShell22]

Yeah, I saw that they aired Aladdin on Disney Channel, too, and saw the bit at the end. So sweet that they did a tribute to him in that way.

[Xav]

Twitter is looking to rethink it's harassment policies after Zelda Williams was driven off the site.
http://vulcanpost.com/17219/twitter-harassment-zelda-williams/

[BubblyShell22]

Yes, I read about that, and they should. This thing needs to stop. I feel so sorry for her.

[ObiWanFan4life]

Yes, I read about that, and they should. This thing needs to stop. I feel so sorry for her.

Man, some people are, pardon my french, dicks.

[Metalwolf]

I wonder if they will bury him, or if he will be cremated?

[BubblyShell22]

I'm not sure, but they did say there was already a funeral for him and that he was laid to rest, so my guess is that he was buried.

[Davetello]

RIP. He made me laugh in lots of films and his serious roles were compelling as well.

On one hand, we can go back to the old debate that celebrities should not be idolised, and that their lives aren't more important than those who die and aren't reported on. This is very true, but ultimately a seemingly decent and definitely talented man has still died so he should be shown the appropriate respect.

Some guys over here in Britain thought it was ROBBIE Williams who had died, when this happened. They went on record saying they were relieved when they realised it wasn't. That disgusted me. First, who is relieved that someone else has died just because they like a fellow celebrity who they rarely even know? Second, Robbie Williams is talentless and has contributed far less to entertainment than Robin Williams did, so why would they be relieved in those terms?

I see there's a debate about suicide and mental health in here. Always a debate worth having. Robin obviously suffered from the depression which many people do he could cope no longer. It's a shame that he saw no way out.

If you could bottle 'happiness', it would be the most precious commodity in history.

[pennydreadful]

It would be nice to think that what has happened will bring depression more into the spotlight as a serious illness - the cynical part of me just thinks that as soon as it's "yesterday's news", people will just forget.

The really irritating part is that people act like the only "real" depression is the type where people just don't talk about it - that if you do talk about it, it's obviously just for attention. And then when you do top yourself after years of suffering in silence, it's "oh, why didn't they reach out to someone".

Bottom line - there really needs to be a better understanding of mental illness, and more education about it. It shouldn't be hidden away like some shameful topic that people are too embarrassed to talk about. We need to get it out there and de-stigmatise it, so that people realize that 1 - it's more common than most think, and 2 - help is available.

[Leo656]

It all comes down to Empathy, which is something that we as a society are being conditioned to believe is a weakness. We are taught, point blank, that anyone's problems, failures, or unhappiness is entirely their own fault, that if they don't have the life they want that they obviously "didn't want it bad enough", and thus they deserve to be miserable. There's no such thing as getting screwed over by circumstance, or being legitimately abused or taken advantage of. Just, "Happiness is Right There, and you could have it if you weren't such a whiny bitch." People who understand that the world isn't that simple or fair are obviously frustrated, and some of them go to extreme measures over it.

What I've never understood, and never will, is the assertion that people who kill themselves are "cowards" or "weak". I mean, I kind of get it... "cowards" because they're afraid of the future, "weak" because they didn't have the inner strength to just "push through" their problems... but I don't agree with it. I always looked at it as, it takes a really serious commitment and a certain level of bravery to punch your own ticket. Think about it... there's no guarantee we get an afterlife, a second chance, nothing... for all anyone knows, you could just blink out in a moment and that's it, and everything you ever existed or struggled for will become meaningless. You don't know if it will hurt, you don't know if you'll suffer first, you don't know if you'll screw it up and be kept alive with machines and tubes while essentially brain dead... you don't know anything for certain, and yet, people can still find ways to pull the trigger or kick the chair out from under themselves. I'm not glorifying or justifying it, but... to me, that takes a certain level of bravery in itself.

As I've said before, whenever people say things like, "Well, good, they deserved it, they were weak and cowardly and life is always worth living," it just proves the point the person was making in killing themselves: That nobody really understands or cares about them anyway, or they wouldn't say such horrific things.

I'm ashamed to say, I used to completely misunderstand depression and people who went through it. I had some really dark times when I was really young, and by the time I was a teenager I thought it was all "behind me" and that I'd figured out some "secret" to staying happy and winning at life. I had some friends who were depressed a lot, and while I did my best to help, I still didn't "get it" and often fell into the "It's not so bad, you just need to cheer up" trap of platitudes and nonsense. I'm even ashamed to say, I sometimes pulled the "it's all your own fault, you have a bad attitude" card. I'm really glad none of those people killed themselves, because I would entirely blame myself. It's shameful, because dealing with my own issues over a lifetime, it's stupid that I ever once thought that things like depression and schizophrenia were things people could just "get over". Belittling and demeaning people's problems - which may seem small to you but are Very Real to them - does nothing but push them closer to the edge. I don't know how anyone can't understand that; it's really very simple.

Again, though, I guess it's society. We're taught from birth that life is a competitive sport, that we can have everything we want if we just believe in it hard enough, and that if you fall short in some way, well, you're just a weak person and don't belong among the rest of the enlightened go-getters. Gee, I wonder why some people punch their own ticket after having that kind of message beaten into them for decades? :ohwell:

[Storm Eagle]

Twitter is looking to rethink it's harassment policies after Zelda Williams was driven off the site.
http://vulcanpost.com/17219/twitter-harassment-zelda-williams/

Well now she's back on Twitter.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/zelda-williams-back-twitter-article-1.1924755

I wonder if they will bury him, or if he will be cremated?

I'm not sure, but they did say there was already a funeral for him and that he was laid to rest, so my guess is that he was buried.

He was cremated.
It all comes down to Empathy, which is something that we as a society are being conditioned to believe is a weakness. We are taught, point blank, that anyone's problems, failures, or unhappiness is entirely their own fault, that if they don't have the life they want that they obviously "didn't want it bad enough", and thus they deserve to be miserable. There's no such thing as getting screwed over by circumstance, or being legitimately abused or taken advantage of. Just, "Happiness is Right There, and you could have it if you weren't such a whiny bitch." People who understand that the world isn't that simple or fair are obviously frustrated, and some of them go to extreme measures over it.


Complete bull. Those people don't know enough about the person to judge them.

You'd have to wonder if the people making those claims have never made a mistake in their lives.

[Leo656]

I can't speak for everyone, obviously, but I've seen a lot of it in my own family. There are a few who kind of got a good start on life, had everything kind of easy, and ended up making lots of money to the point where they never struggled or wanted for anything, and I guess if it all comes that easy to you you just can't understand why it doesn't work that way for everyone. My cousin is like that, and make no mistake, he worked his ass off for everything he has and he deserves it, but he took a huge risk in changing careers at one point to start his own business and it happened to pay off huge for him. He gambled his wife and kids' futures on a whim, uprooted them to a different state and didn't have an exit strategy if things didn't pan out; they just as easily could have lost everything, which is statistically what happens far more often. But as it goes, it all turned out perfectly and they all made out just fine, and I'm glad for them. But, the drawback is, whenever they talk about less fortunate people, they always come off like if everyone took the exact same path he/they did, everyone would be successful and happy. They're also pretty religious, and use their success as "proof" that God exists and will reward you with everything you want if only you work for it. They genuinely can't understand how people struggle and fail, and it makes them hard to talk to even though they are fundamentally good people. They want people to do well, but they literally think there's a road map to success and happiness, and if you don't have it, you don't deserve it for one reason or another.

Again, I can't speak for everyone or even most people. In my family, it's just that the people who have had an easy life by comparison to most others don't have that point of empathy; they genuinely don't understand struggle, they've never been depressed or scared or worried about anything because they've never lived the other side. It's always been "what ifs", just too abstract a concept to grasp. It's tough to get the family together for holidays and such, because there's obviously a little resentment from the people who have worked just as hard and taken just as many gambles and just not gotten the breaks, and they don't exactly want to hear they only fell short because they "didn't want it bad enough".

On the flip side, I guess it's just like how poor people can't imagine anyone who was rich or famous as being depressed or suicidal, because from that frame of reference, if you're rich and famous "You officially have no problems". I'm guilty of making that kind of statement, I confess. It's not true, though; people at all ends of the spectrum end up depressed, and there's no amount of money that can make that go away.

It's true what they say, until you've lived through another person's circumstances you can't accurately judge what they're dealing with.

[Davetello]

Great posts by everyone. And I've always said that anyone who calls suicide 'cowardly' is a selfish fvkcer who has no idea what mental suffering is. Like you I think it takes a level of bravery to actually go through with the act - a bravery I lack incidentally, as I would rather not be alive but I am too much of a pussy to kill myself. I hate that comment to such an extent that I've actually stopped talking to people on account of them saying it. Someone finally can't cope any more and they are still being attacked and judged in death? The irony is that the world would be a better place if these cvnts weren't here rather than the person who has taken their own life.

All that other stuff resonates with me as well - the world is a cruel, brutal place, and we're taught that we simply have to suck it up and get on with it in order to achieve. Some of us just don't want to, some of us see life as a sham - as a mirage which essentially has no intrinsic value. The ultimate point of life seems to be to procreate, it's what we are biologically programmed to do. But why? To continue a species which is deeply flawed anyway? Surely it would be better if we were wiped out like the dinosaurs? We've had our go at it and we've royally fvkced things up. Yes man is capable of great things, but it's all overshadowed by war, poverty etc. I can totally relate to that feeling of living in a world which you know is complex and rotten, and not wanting to be part of it. But the only alternative is suicide. I understand why people do it because life is too much of a burden.

I'm ranting somewhat, but some people go through so much and just can't handle it; they can't manage. And/Or they have a serious mental health condition which makes life too difficult to cope with. For them to be judged on that is sickening. There are so many heartless people who'll pass judgement on others, but they don't actually realise that their comments might be having a devastating psychological effect on that person (or maybe they just don't care, which is probably more likely).

I mean I was in the library earlier and got the feeling this overweight guy and the person he was with were laughing at me. At first I wondered if they were laughing at some perceived physical flaw, but this guy was a fat, baldy mess and most certainly not in a position to mock me so maybe it wasn't that. Maybe I am being paranoid but if he was it makes me so angry. it's completetely disrespectful yet I can't do anything about it because A) I don't know for sure so it might not be fair on the guy and B) if he was genuinely mocking me then I'm the one who would be blamed if I reacted for 'causing a scene'. Even though I have every right to stand up for myself due to provocation. These people don't realise what they do to others - when someone you've never met before walks into a public library or a shop, you know nothing about their extensive past. You don't know what they've been through or might be struggling with. This is why I am always polite to strangers in public - if I'm rude then it might send them over the edge if they're already struggling, and being nice to people also has the added benefit of putting a spring in their step. If someone's having a hard time and I am friendly to them, then perhaps they can go home and think "that guy smiled at me and seemed to like me, and he's never even met me - perhaps I'm a worthwhile person after all".

If they give me a reason to be annoyed at them then things are different. But yeah, I get really irritated by the way people behave in public. Some of these idiots have zero manners and were clearly dragged up rather than brought up. I've seen lots of people utterly humiliated and demeaned when out and about, and being part of public life is something which is generally unavoidable - I mean what's the alternative? Don't go and post that letter or buy that newspaper because you don't feel comfortable among strangers? Yeah, some people feel forced to hide away because of that, but it isn't right.

Some of these scumbags are total animals.

[Davetello]

On the flip side, I guess it's just like how poor people can't imagine anyone who was rich or famous as being depressed or suicidal, because from that frame of reference, if you're rich and famous "You officially have no problems". I'm guilty of making that kind of statement, I confess. It's not true, though; people at all ends of the spectrum end up depressed, and there's no amount of money that can make that go away.



Something which perplexes me is when people say that athletes shouldn't be depressed because of the money they earn. I find it utterly laughable. Sure, some of these people are pretty spoiled by the money they have, but that doesn't mean they don't have the same feelings everyone else does. Having lots of money doesn't change someone psychologically (at least not to any significant extent), and I really question if anyone who thinks so has any basic grasp of what the real world is like.

"The fans give him dogs abuse in the stadium, but he can handle it, he's on 100k a week ffs!". As if earning a fortune somehow makes it easier to be humiliated by 60000 people in front of an international television audience.

These people simply show how materialistic they are - they believe that money is the be-all-and-end-all of happiness, which is one of the biggest myths in our society.

[BubblyShell22]

Yes, exactly. You can have everything in the world, but not everyone is happy with their lot in life. We live in a world where people think money can solve all the problems and as long as you have that, nothing can go wrong. It's a sad state of affairs that people don't seem to realize just how low we've fallen as a society when we glorify people like Kim Kardashian who has done nothing to contribute to society except being on a reality show while people who work hard for what they want get no recognition or praise. Our economy is on a downward spiral and will stay that way for a long time, yet people judge others for living at home with their parents when there really isn't much choice in the matter. Instead of looking at the bigger picture, people tend to judge others without really knowing what the situation is, and I think that's the case with Robin Williams.

And I agree with you, Leo, that it does take a certain amount of bravery to just end it all even if you don't want to. I'm sure Robin struggled with this for a long time, and even though people may not want to believe it, I'm sure it hurt him to feel this way and to leave his family, but he felt he couldn't take it anymore. I don't think anyone who commits suicide is necessarily selfish or a coward because none of us know what goes through the mind of that person and how they really feel about life or what's going on in their lives. The best thing we as a society can do is stop judging others until we know the facts.

[pennydreadful]

Good posts everyone. I think, as y'all have said, it comes down to empathy. It doesn't cost anything to show some kindness and understanding. We're all people, and I think if everyone let their guards down, we'd all realize that those of us who feel the most "outside" of things aren't as alone as we think. And smiling at someone as you walk by or being nice to someone for five seconds can mean a hell of a lot more to a person than you think. It really can make all the difference.

The sad part is that people who deal with depression are usually the people with the biggest hearts - they care about things more and because of that, they're hurt more easily. Lord knows I wish I didn't wear my heart on my sleeve so much, that I could just be impersonal and not give a damn about things. Because if I wasn't such a freaking schmuck, I definitely wouldn't have been screwed over and hurt as much in my life as I have been.

I dunno, maybe I'm just talking out of my ass here. I just wish people took the time to be a bit kinder to each other. It sucks that life has to be like this, that people have to be so douchey. I know it's not exactly a new thing, I guess I just don't understand why. Sometimes the world just seems like a very vast and very lonely place, and I'm never going to understand it.

[Storm Eagle]

I can't speak for everyone, obviously, but I've seen a lot of it in my own family. There are a few who kind of got a good start on life, had everything kind of easy, and ended up making lots of money to the point where they never struggled or wanted for anything, and I guess if it all comes that easy to you you just can't understand why it doesn't work that way for everyone. My cousin is like that, and make no mistake, he worked his ass off for everything he has and he deserves it, but he took a huge risk in changing careers at one point to start his own business and it happened to pay off huge for him. He gambled his wife and kids' futures on a whim, uprooted them to a different state and didn't have an exit strategy if things didn't pan out; they just as easily could have lost everything, which is statistically what happens far more often. But as it goes, it all turned out perfectly and they all made out just fine, and I'm glad for them. But, the drawback is, whenever they talk about less fortunate people, they always come off like if everyone took the exact same path he/they did, everyone would be successful and happy. They're also pretty religious, and use their success as "proof" that God exists and will reward you with everything you want if only you work for it. They genuinely can't understand how people struggle and fail, and it makes them hard to talk to even though they are fundamentally good people. They want people to do well, but they literally think there's a road map to success and happiness, and if you don't have it, you don't deserve it for one reason or another.



Hey, I'm a Christian and I believe in God, and my life hasn't been anywhere close to perfect. So I guess that's why I can understand why it's hard for other people to believe.

[Jephael]

Twitter is looking to rethink it's harassment policies after Zelda Williams was driven off the site.
http://vulcanpost.com/17219/twitter-harassment-zelda-williams/

Man, some people are, pardon my french, dicks.

That's putting it mildly. Why would anyone treat another human being that way after such a tragedy?

[BubblyShell22]

I watched Ellen today and she had a short tribute to Robin Williams at the end of the show. It was very touching and sad.

[TheCanadiandrome]

i watched a PBS broadcast called "Pioneers of Television: Remembering Robin Williams" and it was very well done. brought tears to my eyes!

[fridaynightdestination]

The only films by him I have seen by him are RV and Jumanji, but I'm a huge fan of the movie Jumanji, watching it was a huge part of my childhood, seen it a million times, so this news is still pretty sad to me.