Let's Work Together to End the Stigma. #RobinWilliams

The news about Robin Williams' suicide hit me in the same way it hit most everyone - like a veritable ton of bricks. I had a physical response to hearing he had died, and another one when I found out how. Just ugh. 

Part of the reason that this human outcome feels particularly icky is that like 43.6 million United States citizens over the age of 18, I have generalized anxiety and depression. So I can quite literally put myself in a small section of the shoes Mr. Williams wore in his life, because I know how completely shitty and powerless depression makes you feel. 

Depression lies. It preys on your brain and your chemistry, and does its' damn best to keep you isolated. As Harvey Fierstein, Robin's on-screen brother in "Mrs. Doubtfire" tweeted Monday evening: 

• "Please, people, do not fuck with depression. It's merciless. All it wants is to get you in a room alone and kill you. Take care of yourself."