Death of a Funny Man

By Nashe Harley

Actor and comedian Robin Williams died of an apparent suicide Aug. 11, leaving behind a wife and three children.

He was known to suffer from depression, battled alcoholism and substance abuse and was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease his wife Susan Schneider said.

Williams’ death has shed light on a growing issue in our society. Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. ahead of HIV/AIDS. It is also the third leading cause for 15-to-24 year olds, according to the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.

Depression is recognized as a leading cause of suicide when left untreated or undiagnosed, according to the University of Behavioral HealthCare, a division of Rutgers University.

Knowing the symptoms of depression and teaching people to seek counsel can help prevent suicide.  Orange County residents can call ( 877) 7-CRISIS or (877) 727-4747 for help.