Frequency

As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, I would like to say - just asking someone if they are OK is usually little to no help. People respond to that question with generic answers and react in predictable ways to avoid confrontation. Too often we ask that question and move on, and all that does is trigger further frustration and feelings of solitude. If you want to help someone you care about with depression, you have to actually demonstrate that you care in a meaningful way or they will just close themselves off further. You have to find a way to break through the shell, and that can be different for everyone. Most of all though, be a friend - not a facebook friend, a real life, get dinner or take a hike or go on a roadtrip with, share and trust a piece of your life with, friend. More often than not, that's what someone suffering from depression needs first. The rest you can work out as you go.

"When actor Robin Williams past recently..." Isn't it "passed" as in "passed-on"?

The death of Robin Williams is notable to me mostly because when I saw the date of his birth, I reflected to my fiancé that he was born the same year as my mother, who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in early 2012 after spending about a month in a behavioral health center because of some problems functioning normally. I remember saying "1951. Same year as my mom. I am NOT ready to lose my mom."

I called my mother to comment on it with her, and how saddened I was that such a seemingly wonderful man would be lost to us all...and I reflected to her about their being the same age, and how I wasn't ready to lose her.

My mom died alone in her home approximately 1 week after Robin Williams. Although my mom wasn't special to the entire world as this man was, she was a large portion of my world. I wish I had taken more time to show her...perhaps I could have prevented her death. Although she didn't take her own life, I believe the isolation she was putting herself in wasn't healthy. Although she would always tell me "I'm fine" on the phone long distance, and assure me she was taking her medication and wasn't having any issues, she effectively kept some health issues a secret from me. Once I needled some information out of her, I told her I wanted to make plans to move her in with me next summer when I could sell my house for a larger one, so she could still feel "independent" in a mother-in-law type suite. Had I actively recognized signals of depression, or acted faster, I might have made a difference, and still have my mom. I struggle with that.

I've been told lately during the grieving process that parents OFTEN pretend that everything is "fine" in an effort to avoid being a burden on their children. Don't let your loved ones brush you off. If you feel like something is "going on" with a loved one, go with your instincts. Don't let them lock themselves away. Maybe my mom's death can prevent someone else's.

Robin Williams
My Sweet Mom <3
1951-2014

This interview was done while he was filming The Butler with Robin portraying Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. He sounded to me like he was just trying to stay in character since the interview was obviously done during filming. I think folks are reading too much into this.

BTW: Williams' last interview was with 60 Minutes.

This interview was done while he was filming The Butler with Robin portraying Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. He sounded to me like he was just trying to stay in character since the interview was obviously done during filming. I think folks are reading too much into this.

BTW: Williams' last interview was with 60 Minutes.