It was news that shocked millions Monday seemingly moments after it broke – the death of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams rocked not only those who knew him, but countless fans of all ages. As the cause of his death was released; a broader conversation about depression and mental illness started to develop.
Late Monday afternoon, the world learned that Robin Williams, 63, had been found dead in his California home earlier that day – investigators would later state that it appeared he had taken his own life. The actor’s publicist confirmed he had been battling severe depression.
“The external stuff, the money, the fame, the adulation, the awards, clearly is not enough,” Registered Psychologist Dr. Ganz Ferrance said Tuesday. “If you don’t have it inside, if you aren’t feeling it inside it’s almost like that stuff actually mocks you.”
Ferrance said high-profile figures, like Williams, are under immense pressure, and are often unable to express their struggles freely.
“If I were to complain to you, I would feel like a whiner, or people would come down on you like ‘What do you have to complain about?’” Ferrance said.
Meanwhile, staff at Edmonton’s Support Network said Williams’ death has shone a spotlight on depression, and the desperate need to remove the stigma attached to it.
“I don’t think we understand depression,” Nancy McCalder, Executive Director of the Support Network, said. “We don’t know what it means when someone is thinking of killing themselves.”
McCalder said she hopes more people speak up, and break down barriers surrounding depression.
“That’s the best thing we can do is start a conversation, and the best way to do that is to self-disclose, say ‘I too, I’ve had depression. I’ve had periods in my life that have been really difficult.’”
The Support Network said there are ways to reach out to others who may be dealing with depression to look for major risk factors such as withdrawing from daily life, not keeping plans, and statements that life isn't worth living, for example. They're advised to be direct, to ask that person if they are thinking of killing themselves, and to ask if they have thought of a plan. Officials said the risk increases with the amount of detail put into any suicide plan.
With files from Stephanie Wiebe
Suicide Prevention Resources
The Support Network – call 211 for services and community resources
Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP)
Centre for Suicide Prevention - Calgary (403-245-3900)
Suicide Information and Education Services – Red Deer (403-342-4966)
