Surf the Internet, read any newspaper and it’ll hit you…Robin Williams has died. The 63 year old comedian was found dead in his home on August 11, 2014 in Tiburon, CA. Police consequently reported that he died from asphyxiation where he committed suicide by hanging. The comedian’s body was discovered by personal assistant on Monday morning after his wife, Susan Schneider, had left the home to run some errands.
At the Time of Death
It was revealed that Robin Williams had been struggling from severe depression when he was greeted by death. Insiders close to Williams revealed to celebrity news source, TMZ that the comedian re-visited rehab in July to check on his addictions, although he denied relapsing and falling again to drug addiction. In fact, he ‘centered’ himself by internalizing his pain. Even after checking into rehab, it seemed to be too late for the actor. He had already gone far down the road. Between revisiting rehab and his unfortunate death, Robin was actually trying to find his spirituality by meditating. While meditation has therapeutic advantages and provides a great way to reflect and mull, it was just not enough to save the actor’s life.
Events Prior to Williams’ Death
Williams, who’s known for his unique and natural sense of humor, has been putting laughter and a Burger King smile on the faces of his audience for years. He’s been featured in many films where he captivated the hearts of his viewers and positioned himself stably within the comedic industry. Williams loved what he did and found joy in being the comedian he was. However, while the actor made himself an outlet for bringing people laughter, he too needed someone to put a smile on his face since he had his own issues to deal with, even when it appeared otherwise.
The actor had personal issues flowing through his veins which acted as a source of discomfort and emotional pain. In fact, his struggle with cocaine and drug abuse was constantly at the forefront. He never brushed his battle with addiction under the rug. In fact, Robin Williams was caught on stage joking about his obsession with cocaine.
It was after Williams rose to fame on the 1970’s sitcom, Mork & Mindy, that he developed his drug and alcohol, even indulging in a lifestyle of revelry. It seemed as if for a time, stardom and perhaps fame had a profound effect on Williams’ life. In his encounter with drug abuse, he was like a mere teenager, inexperienced without much guidance in life. While the ‘live fast, die-young’ 1970’s actor spent around 4 decades making people laugh, he spent the remainder consumed by his problems. The comedian’s life had been a rollercoaster of sobriety and relapse. According to the comedian, “Cocaine for me was a place to hide. Most people get hyper on coke. It slowed me down,” he told People in 1988. While Williams found solace in his drug abuse, it would later turn out to his detriment as he found it to be a struggle and wanted to quit, but found it difficult to do so.
Robin not only battled with addictions, he also had health restraints. After being admitted in a rehabilitation facility for his alcohol obsession, Robin found out that he had a serious heart condition. During his tour, Weapons of Self Destruction, Robin was confined to the hospital in 2009 where he underwent care and surgery to replace his aortic valve. Being human, Robin had the impression or apprehension that he’d not survive the surgery. This shocked him and he changed his life for the better (so it would seem).
A New Look at Life
Life is very precious. In fact, no one genuinely wants to die. In Williams’ case, he thought his situation or struggles were just too much to bear and as such, death was the only solace and comfort he could find. Since the comic’s death, several others, including Perez Hilton, have demonstrated concern for depression. Since depression has always been something kept in the dark, many are now speaking openly about Williams’ recent passing from severe depression. It’s really sad that it took something so devastating to get the discussion about depression out into the open. It’s important that people realize that they’re not alone in their struggle with depression. In fact, a side effect of depression is withdrawal or isolation. This is quite a devastating illness and may even drive one to think they’re alone and no one cares. Whether this was the case with Robin Williams or not, depression can and has caused many people to end their journey in life.
Robin Williams’ Comedic Career Laid to Rest
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