The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
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This disease is just such a monster. It's even more frustrating for me to see someone who really is trying with all their heart and still have the disease take them down, either through an overdose, an accident, or in Robin's case depression and suicide.
Prayers for all our loved ones suffering from this disease.
It is heartbreaking to lose such a huge heart as that in Robin Williams to this disease. The family clown is one of the common roles in dysfunctional families; they provide from relief from the stress and pain, but that outer role often hides inner pain, depression. To know someone so funny harbored such pain is sad, so deeply sad.
It was obvious to me that he suffered because his humor was to the extreme. We knew him as a clown, a comedian and an actor. We didn't know him as a person. Fortunately, he made it to age 63 but from what I've read, he wasn't extremely active in a program. If this is true - no program - perhaps it is a lesson for us to continue our program work in earnest no matter our age or our successes?
-- Edited by grateful2be on Tuesday 12th of August 2014 04:03:34 PM
This has touched me. I often play the comedian...am making people laugh. I am sharp witted. I also have alcoholism and a mood disorder. I have always felt like I "got" Robin Williams in terms of how he was able to play both funny and touching/dramatic so well (not that I claim to have that kind of talent). I knew he had these problems too and identified with him so it's very sad and kind of scary.
PC: From the outside, I have never experienced your humor to be to the extreme. There were times when I had to turn him off when he was on a talk show, etc. It was painful for me to watch him. When I read you - I want more, not less. I notice you share yourself with us. Robin was working from a script. You are not.
Yeah, I have struggled with depression but not bipolar. Much of his humor had a manic edge to it and I don't identify with that part even though sometimes it was funny...sometimes extreme like you mentioned.
He also was a cocaine addict and dried himself out from what I've read. Who knows what the cocaine did to his brain? At my age, I have lost several friends to cancer, suicide, aneurysms, car accidents and in war who didn't reach the age of 63. I knew them and I loved them and they loved me. I am grateful for every moment they were in my life.
What is most important to me is not the length of our lives or even how we die. It is how we spend each of our days that matters and what kind of legacy we leave. He has left a legacy of humor that brightened up many, many lives. Just like my friends and family members who died of cancer, suicide and in war - I'm grateful I knew them. I'm also grateful they were released from unrelenting pain. You brighten our days, Mark, and although I do hope that you and I and others we know and love don't ever experience such despair in the future, it is today that matters and it is today we can capitalize on in whatever ways that present themselves to us with and among the people in our lives today.
-- Edited by grateful2be on Tuesday 12th of August 2014 03:13:37 PM
The passing of Robin Williams has touched me deeply as well. I really believe that some of the funniest people I have met that bring such joy making others smile have had to overcome a lot of deep pain. I am included in this and make my friends laugh a lot and although I do not feel depressed I definitely battle my own darkness. He was a great person and this was a very big loss to this disease we all know and deal with. Sending you all love and support in your own battles!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
A troubled soul has passed and I look to find comfort in knowing that his soul may now rest peacefully in the arms of angels. I read somewhere that depression is like arthritis of the soul. It is a reminder of how deadly the addictions/diseases can be and how isolated those that suffer become. The man could make the world laugh and forget their troubles for a few wonderful moments but still had an emptiness inside that only he could feel and fear he could not fix. Maybe he gave the world laughter because he never wanted others to feel what he felt. It is also a reminder to continue to show a loving kindness to all those around us. I need to remember that everyday is a gift. For those that feel isolated and lost and lonely, I send loving prayers that you feel the love that truly does exist within. It is a battle worth fighting. Keep on keeping on.
