Signs of depression and seeking help for emotional distress in aftermath of Robin Williams' death
August 11, 2014
The apparent suicide death on Monday of Academy Award winning actor Robin Williams sheds light on depression and other mental health disorders.
Williams, who was 63, had been battling severe depression. He was pronounced dead at his San Francisco Bay Area home Monday.
The preliminary investigation shows the cause of death as asphyxia, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. Below is a list contacts to resources and hotlines that provide suicide prevention services, as well as resources for depression disorders.
What are warning signs for suicide?
Are you or someone you love in a crisis? Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:
Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.
Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.
Feeling hopeless.
Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking.
Feeling trapped - like there's no way out.
Increasing alcohol or drug use.
Withdrawing from friends, family, and society.
Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time.
Experiencing dramatic mood change.
Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.
Once again: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255.
The hotline service is free and available 24 hour. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you.
For veterans: The Veterans Crisis Line provides veterans in crisis and their families and friends with a confidential toll-free hotline. Call 800-273-8255 and Press 1. Or visit Veterans Crisis Line at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
