You would have to be buried deep somewhere last night not to have heard of  the tragic death of Robin Williams.

 

I am still in shock over the awful news.

 

Robin Williams was one of those men that made you believe you knew him.

 

From Mork and Mindy to Good Will Hunting his presence filled the screen.

 

Dead Poets Society was one of those films that changed my thinking.

 

It gave me the courage to challenge, to wonder.

 

That was Robin’s Williams gift to the world, one of wonder.

 

We have laughed so hard at his comedy moments and felt so deep with his straight roles.

 

The man was true talent.

 

 

There are many stories floating around  regarding the reasons for his death, many stating his depression.

 

This saddens me deeply.

 

Yet it is not surprising.

 

Its is true that many from the acting profession find themselves experiencing the lows after the highs.

 

They also find themselves not able to ask for help due to the extreme scrutiny on their lives.

 

I don’t want to speculate, I don’t know the truth of what was happening in Robin Williams mind.

 

What I do know is that mental illness is something that needs to be brought out of the shadows.

 

It is not something anyone should be made to feel shame for.

 

You can not be blamed for having a mental illness as much as you cannot be blamed for having cancer.

 

Yet it still lurks in the darkness.

 

It is time to stop the stigma and discrimination.

 

One in four people in Britain suffer from mental health problems.

 

ONE IN FOUR.

 

This is a frightening statistic and something needs to be done.

 

We need more funding into services and support but we also need more awareness raised to remove the stigma that is attached to mental illness.

 

My heart goes out to Robin William’s family .

 

I can only imagine the pain they are in right now.

 

But I want to raise awareness today.

 

If only to reach one person who is suffering right now.

 

I want them to know they don’t have to be ashamed.

 

They don’t have to hide.

 

Please contact someone to support you.

 

Get help.

 

 

Lets us raise our voices in memory of Robin Williams and all those that have fought a battle against mental illness.

 

Lets be united in ending the discrimination.

 

In the words of the late man himself

 

 

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

 

Robin Williams
 

 

Lets start the change today.

 

 

Rest in peace Robin.

 

 

 

 

If you or anyone you know is suffering with a mental health issue there are places you can find support.

 

Our lines are open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday

0300 123 3393
info@mind.org.uk
Text: 86463

• EMAIL US

  jo@samaritans.org