In 2004, I had the privilege of speaking at the annual meeting for the Friends of the American Academy of Osteopathy in San Francisco. The dinner event took place in a restaurant that was co-owned by Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro.
Robin was dining downstairs, and when he heard there was a hormone/sex expert in the building, he wasted no time – he came right upstairs to have some fun. It was thrilling just to meet him, but it got even better. For the next half hour, he did an impromptu performance, riffing off of lines I threw out about sex and hormones. It was hilarious, heartwarming and a memory that I will always cherish.
The news of Robin’s death rocked the world, and left so many people saddened, and wondering how and why someone so beloved could choose to leave before his time. Depression does not discriminate – it doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, famous or not. I hope that in the wake of this tragedy, something good will come. I hope that we can all have a real conversation about mental health, and that people will finally realize that the stigma is simply a diversion from the reality – depression is a disease.
My prayers and love go out to Robin’s family, friends and fans. Thanks for all the laughter and tears, Robin. You gave so much to all of us. Godspeed.
Each year, thousands of people die from depression. It’s a disease, and nobody is immune. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or thinking of taking your life, please – PLEASE – just pick up the phone. The world needs you.
Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Photo courtesy of http://thedo.osteopathic.org/