[Ready2Transform]

Found this clip from The Fisher King that hits the spot for several of our spouses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s26WxsgyKE

[PolarBear]

Was very sad to hear that Robin is dead. He was such a great comedian. But I had heard numerous times that he struggled with alcohol and depression. Still very, very sad though.

[Thundarr]

His new show was cancelled and he supposedly was financially devastated by his second divorce...

[Bailmor]

I didn't mean to be so callous about Robin's passing, but I thought about the depression since it has been so prevalent in my W's life right now.  If this can happen to Robin, it can happen to anyone.  So scary how much destruction this disease can cause.

[Thundarr]

Don't forget the LBS who are also suffering from depression...

[EmeraldCityToo]

One of my favorite lines which I jokingly say to my kids frequently is from Mrs. Doubtfire:  "it was a drive-by fruiting".  Amazing how someone who could makes us laugh so much could hide so much pain and hurt.  It does seem that many spend their lives behind a mask of one kind or another. 

My son and I are currently enjoying Good Morning Vietnam.  I forgot how good that was.  Its good to laugh again.  In spite of the circumstances. 

[Bailmor]

Thinking about it, I wonder if his laughter was his mask into his depression.  Amazing how masks can hide the real issues in peoples' lives.  I pray for all MLCers and LBSers that they can get through this horrible period in their lives.

[Blindsided again]

When I heard of Robin Williams passing, I became a little frightened, depression knows no boundaries, I lost 3 family members to suicide because of major depression. I myself attempted twice to take my life from deep major depressive disorder, of which I will always battle but with treatment and therapy, I am feeling so much better.

MLC didn't help this LBS, but I'm getting through. No one knows the pain one goes through inside. Sometimes it's so deep that sadly you think the only way out is to exit permanently. I have read everywhere that people who do this are selfish, please call a hotline, etc...when you are so deep in despair, your not thinking this way, your thinking you have to end this pain, you think your family and friends will be better off.

I would hope more attention could be brought to depression, to mental health issues....I do fear for my H, for I know he is suffering depression. One has to seek and want the help, I know this all to well.

For Robin this came to mind, yes he battled addictions, self medicating? Many years probably....but his comedy, the laughter, the laughing on the outside, but the pain on the inside most likely was was very unbearable for a long time.......RIP

[kikki]

Blindsided, I completely agree with you.  Sorry you battle with a major depressive disorder, and have all of the LBS stress and chaos on top of that.

I too worry about my MLCer.  There have been many times I have wondered whether he would take his own life during his crisis.   

Looks like they are now adding comedians to the list of playwrights, painters and other creatives who suffer a high percentage of mental health disorders.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2540275/Comedians-personalities-similar-mental-health-conditions.html

[Anjae]

You were not callous, Bailmor. Would be good if Williams death would bring more to depression/addiction. Really hope so. Maybe his laughter was his mask. Comedians are often very sad, tortured souls.

Depression is a terrible illness and one that is not easy to fight. Some depressions are light, like situation depression (the type of depression many LBS suffer from), others are very heavy, like major depression. Lifestyle changes, therapy, medicines when needed, can help.

Those who battle with depression throughout their lives have it far worse than a LBS who suffers depression because of all the stress that comes with BD and MLC. I'm not minimizing the pain, hurt and suffering of LBS who, apart from their spouses MLC, do not have to deal with depression. But it is different than always have had it in our life and always will have it.

In a way Kikki, our MLCers are already taking their own lives. They are doing it slowly, but they are killing themselves with those crazy, dangerous replay behaviours.