Robin Williams & the Problem of Depression

By J. “Dr. Jay” LaVelle Ingram, Ph.D.

The recent suicide of actor and comedian, Robin Williams, has prompted some national attention to the problems of depression and specifically suicide. While some people are puzzled by this successful, beloved man making such a tragic decision, many have begun to speak openly about personal experiences with depression and the serious, debilitating nature of the disorder. We who work with people in crisis want to be clear in stating our understanding of the struggles of those who suffer with depression and thoughts of suicide and our dedication to providing you with meaningful help.

For those who suffer with this mental illness and/or friends and family members who love them, understand that depression, like diabetes, is a disease. It is not about moral character or strength of will; it is about inherited biological tendencies and life experiences that combine to unbalance brain chemistry. As diabetes involves the body mishandling blood sugar, depression involves the brain mishandling neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This being the case, no one has a reason to feel ashamed about having these problems, and certainly no one should hesitate to get help for them. As we have seen with Robin Williams, failure to seek help can be fatal.

Many people do not realize that depression is very different than regular sadness. Often when people casually talking about being depressed, they really mean that they are sad. But depression is to sadness what the flu is to a cold. In one case you have the common experience that is not very serious, in the other case you have a serious disorder that can be life threatening. We know that depression brings severe, persistent symptoms, so you don’t just feel sad, you feel profoundly sad, most of the day, most days for two weeks or more. You may feel extremely tired, unfocused with difficulty concentrating, irritable, like crying, like withdrawing from friends and family, and especially notable, like you just don’t enjoy anything, even things you’ve enjoyed all your life. And feeling this way can lead people to think about ending it all, making it stop or getting away- in other words, suicide.

The National Institutes of Health (NIMH) noted that approximately 6.7 percent of American adults−about 14.8 million people−live with major depression. That is a lot of people and the risk is real. NIMH also noted that “suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. (more common than homicide) and the third leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24 year olds.” This means that college aged students are at particular risk for making the same tragic decision that we witnessed with Robin Williams. The problem is that depression affects your ability to think clearly. It leads to distorted thoughts and feelings like “This is never going to change” and “The future won’t be any better.” This hopelessness and helplessness account for those critical moments when a person decides it’s just not worth it; but helping a person through those moments can save a life and let them experience the reality of feeling better, thinking clearer and living a better life.

In my many years of work as a psychologist, I have often repeated to clients that “help- helps!” And that is the message here. Talking to someone about these type feelings can be the start of ending them. Counseling is a proven treatment that helps with depression, and it has become more available in recent years. And I am so thankful that we have some really good drugs! Medication can make the difference for folks when depression is more biological than situational; and I always think that meds beat feeling awful every day. Finally, at any time, from anywhere, you can call the National Suicide Hotline For help, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Remember that depression is treatable; it can be overcome. Help- really does- help.