WATCH – Dr. Jeffrey Lieberan, Chairman of Psychiatry at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, discusses the factors that could have contributed to Robin Williams’ apparent suicide.
Robin Williams
Actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead Monday morning at his home in Tiburon, California.
While an investigation into the cause of death is underway, police believe it was suicide by asphyxia.
As Williams entertained the world on stage and screen for more than four decades, he battled addictions in his personal life.
In the late 1970s and early ’80s he was using cocaine but said he gave it up after the death of his friend John Belushi.
He went to rehab in Oregon in 2006 to deal with an alcohol problem.
This past July, Williams sought further treatment for his alcohol problem at the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota.
His rep, Mara Buxbaum, said in a statement about the star’s death that he had been suffering from severe depression lately.
News of Williams’ death quickly lit up social media sites, such as Twitter.
At first people brushed it off as a hoax. Then, after it was verified, messages from celebrities, friends and fans mourning the star rose to the top.
But once it sunk in that Williams — considered by many to be a comic genius — possibly killed himself, a serious message took over.
It started with suicide prevention institutions, such as Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the non-profit NoStigmas, tweeting links of where people in distress can get help.
Sad, sad news. Please remember there is always someone who will listen. Share this list of Distress/Crisis centres. —
Education, CAMH (@camhEdu) August 11, 2014
Suicide can affect anyone. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, seek support. Call the Lifeline @800273TALK (8255) #suicideprevention—
(@NoStigmas) August 12, 2014
Soon, the hashtag #SuicidePrevention began trending and an open dialogue on mental illness came out of Williams’ death.
No matter where you are in the world, there’s someone who will listen. #suicideprevention http://t.co/u5CFjFRdyp—
Danielle (@DanielleEBowers) August 11, 2014
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). #suicideprevention—
Victoria Brice (@victoriaebrice) August 12, 2014
Its the people who bring the most joy to others that usually have hearts full of sadness.. #talkaboutit #suicideprevention—
The Beauty Broker (@BeautyBroker) August 12, 2014
If you have been thinking about getting help – now is the time. 1-800-273-TALK (8255) #suicideprevention #RobinWilliams—
Nancy VanReece (@NancyVanReece) August 12, 2014
Worried that someone is suicidal? A.C.T. ASK them if they’re suicidal, show that you CARE, get assistance/TREATMENT #suicideprevention—
Suicide Research Lab (@suicideresearch) August 12, 2014
I hope the passing of Robin Williams will help others suffering from depression to reach out & get help #suicideprevention #RIPRobinWilliams—
Tanya (@Fitmetobe) August 12, 2014
No one should feel pushed to this point. We are on this planet to help each other. suicideprevention.ca #RobinWilliams #suicideprevention—
Nixon (@eminixon) August 11, 2014
If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, please find help. ow.ly/Adt30 #suicideprevention #mentalhealth—
MentalHealthMatters (@mhmatters) August 11, 2014
If you need help, this number once saved someone I love: 1-800-273-8255 #suicideprevention—
Randa Jarrar (@randajarrar) August 11, 2014
I am a suicide survivor. I’ve been ashamed to say that, but maybe I can inspire folks to not take that path. #suicideprevention—
Martin Dunn (@MDunn82) August 11, 2014
People are fragile and depression is real. Never forget to be kind and give love. #suicideprevention—
Bella Luna (@bawdybelle) August 11, 2014
sometimes, those among us who seem to shine the brightest, are actually living in the deepest darks. #suicideprevention—
(@WASPingtonian) August 11, 2014
If everyone would just take a step back and do one nice thing for someone every single day, less people would be hurting. #suicideprevention—
Scotty (@ProfessorSMF) August 11, 2014
As a former #SuicidePrevention counselor, I urge those who are in the depths of depression to call 1-800-273-8255. Someone cares. I mean it.—
Kirti D. (@DiyaMarketing) August 11, 2014
If you’re hurting and you feel like giving up, please speak out. Get help. There is no shame in asking for help. #suicideprevention—
JTC (@jeromeTchicken) August 11, 2014
We talk about cancer. Why is it uncomfortable to discuss suicide? Nobody’s immune. Someone u love has considered it. #suicideprevention—
My Crimson Chaos (@HeatherDThomas1) August 11, 2014
Mental health advocates say that the lack of public discussion about causes and prevention is leaving those at risk for suicide in the dark.
Tim Wall, executive director of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, told The Canadian Press in a 2011 article that talking about suicide with someone directly lowers the risk of suicide.
“It’s only by talking about it in an informed way that we can prevent suicides. We need to have those conversations,” Wall said.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, suicide accounts for 16 per cent of deaths in Canada for those between the ages of 16 and 44.
“People need to understand that it can happen to anybody, any time. Nobody’s immune to it and we need to talk about it if we’re going to do something about it,” Scott Chisholm, founder of the Collateral Damage Project told The Canadian Press in the same 2011 article.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, visit suicideprevention.ca for a list of resources.
In case of an emergency, please call 911.
Need help? Local crisis information is under the “Get Help Now” tab on this website.