I didn't know Robin Williams. I was in the same room as him twice - once when I lived in Los Angeles and once in San Francisco.
The second time was at the opening of the new Main Library in San Francisco, where he came and spoke. He was on fire, as always. Then when the event was over and he was hustled off he transformed into a completely different p...erson, quiet, reserved. He had people who helped keep the throngs away - people who knew that the burden of being Robin Williams is nothing anyone should have to endure 24/7.
One of those handlers recognized me from the first time I had been in the same room as Robin and we talked for a while. He even mentioned that Robin fought off depression. I'll be honest, it never even occurred to me that it could be this bad. It never does.
A brief explanation below the lopsided double-fortre.
I myself have never had depression. I have every rare once in a while felt down, but I have never faced depression as the type of onslaught that a person suffering from it does. As a result I find it very difficult to comprehend depression as an illness. I find it hard to comprehend how a person can feel so down as to take their own life. But just because I don't understand it doesn't make it any less real.
People who understand it, keep reminding those of us who don't that this is a real thing, with real consequences and heart-rending results. From those of my friends who understand it better and have already spoken up, thank you.
And to those of you who have dealt with this directly and I've never noticed, my apologies.