Heidi Anderson @RealHeidi 4h
Don't let Robin Williams' death be in vain - get and accept help for depression, my article @perthnow http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/opinion/heidi-anderson-get-and-accept-help-for-depression-dont-let-robin-williams-death-be-in-vain/story-fnhocuug-1227022317053…”
Heidi Anderson: Get and accept help for depression, don’t let Robin Williams’ death be in vain
- Heidi Anderson
- PerthNow
- August 13, 2014 12:00AM
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The brilliant career of Robin Williams
Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams has died aged 63 after a battle with depression.
HEARING the news yesterday that Robin Williams was found dead, at the age of 63, just broke my heart.
A funny man loved by all his fans, friends and family. To hear Williams had a long battle with depression that took his life in the end has left me feeling empty, sad and helpless.
Some of us will never understand depression. I have grown up with it.
It’s something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. My brother had depression when we were in high school and recently my mum and I were diagnosed with mild depression and anxiety.
It sucks. There is a feeling of emptiness and loneliness within that you just cannot shake. Some of us get through it and get the help we need and others don’t.
My grandma, who I never got to meet, took her own life when my Dad was only a small child. This is something that my Dad and our family have had to live with forever.
My Dad is still affected by his mother’s death from over 55 years ago. He still has unanswered questions. Just writing this brings tears to my eyes.
My Dad never got to know his Mum. He never got those precious kisses and cuddles that I still get from my mum. He grew up without the leading lady in his life. Something I will never understand.
My mum messaged me yesterday morning about Robin Williams — she is as gutted as I am about his passing. We both loved him for his talent, wit, humour and laugh.
I said to mum, “this makes me want to change society”. I want to change society and its perception of depression and suicide.
I don’t want Williams’ death to be in vain — he had an illness that sadly wasn’t cured.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In Australia, it is estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In any one year, around 1 million Australian adults will have depression.
ROBIN WILLIAMS
Actor Robin Williams poses for a portrait during the 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty
Susan Schneider and fiancee Robin Williams pose backstage at the hit play “Bengal Tiger at The Baghdad Zoo” on Broadway at The Richard Rogers Theater on June 15, 2011 in New York City. Picture: Getty
The facts on suicide alone blow me away — it remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. Men account for three out of every four deaths by suicide; this could’ve been my brother. That’s what haunts me.
My mum did reply back to my message and I would like to share it with you. She’s a strong, beautiful, intelligent woman — who in my eyes is wise beyond her years.
This was my Mum’s response:
“The only way we can change society, is by using this sadness that we’ve all felt by losing Robin to push for people to get and accept help.”
This feeling of sadness and helplessness is why I felt I had to write this piece today. I’ve lost too many people to suicide already — my Grandma and a close friend a few years back.
My Dad lost his Mum, and Robin Williams’ family and friends have lost their Dad, husband and best friend, and the world has lost a great man with phenomenal talent.
If you feel you need to speak to someone, or you know someone who needs help, please get in touch with your local GP, and call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
We’re only here for a short time, not a long time.
I want to leave you with a quote from Stephen Fry:
“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.
“Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side.
“It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”
You can hear Heidi Anderson this morning on 92.9 FM’s Breakfast with Heidi, Will & Woody.
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Tully Smyth @tee_smyth 
