Robin Williams RIP: Coping Mechanism?

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So, I am no Psych. nurse but I always found it interesting. What interests me about some of the people who are most depressed is that they are the ones who always seem to be making others laugh like Robin Williams. Is this some kind of coping mechanism? Of course, I don't know much about the man except what I have seen on TV but I have seen this in people in my personal life too. People that seem to be big cut ups and always joking. I would never have thought depression.

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There is also speculation that Jim Carey suffers from major depression as well. Both of them over-act quite a bit and I, too, wondered if it was some sort of a coping mechanism. So sad either way.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Robin Williams has been battling demons for many years. He has a very public ongoing battle with cocaine and alcohol. some do use comedy as a way to cope, it really isn't difficult to understand why. I can see how people with depression (or other MH disorders) turn to comedy because they are uncomfortable with themselves. And many "class clowns" are looking for a way to fit in, be liked or to stop the teasing/bullying. I think they see it as 'if I can make one other person happy/smile/ laugh maybe I can feel that way too'

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Specializes in Med Surg.

It may sound like hindsight , but I always suspected he could have bipolar disorder. His comedy could be so manic.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
It may sound like hindsight , but I always suspected he could have bipolar disorder. His comedy could be so manic.

It could be possible that he was hypomanic or had cycling dysthymia; he used a persona to hide his struggles.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Often those with incredible talents are also deeply troubled. It is sad.

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RIP Robin Williams. Truly gifted and you will be missed. Favorite lines

"Seize the day, gather ye rosebuds while ye may" Dead Poets Society.

With his Psychiatrist beside him

"You can't leave here, I'm your Doctor. " Patch- "yes you are but you suck at it" from patch Adams

And lastly while making rounds in Patch Adams as a medical student

Describing the gangrene patient and her history when the attending asks "any questions" Patch replied "What is her name."

"It was a run-

by fruiting." Mrs. Doubtfire

You are at peace with your best friend and fellow gifted actor Christopher Reeve. "Oh captain my captain"

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

To the OP,

It could be reaction formation in response to depression, but was most likely bi-polar d/O, in my opinion.

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I don't think he was bipolar. I don't think being a Comedian means you are bipolar. Having said that, some antidepressants can make you very manic.

What you see on the outside is rarely what is happening on the inside. I think people in this line of work or the class clown are coping with what they are feeling on the inside. Comedy is often 'not funny' but relates to very serious matters presented in a way that makes us laugh. It's like going to a funeral. People sit in groups and often end up laughing about other stuff. It's not wrong - it's coping. It's letting all the stress you have on the inside out in a positive way. But then you go home and you can't hide from those feelings anymore. I think it is so sad that he believed the only way to make that pain stop was to die. That really hurts me. Thank You Robin for all the laughter. You will be missed.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

he had bipolar disorder

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Specializes in critical care.

I have been so incredibly touched at the outpouring of love toward him since yesterday. So heartbreaking. He have us all a precious gift in his performances, and in his unscripted moments as well. I watched an adorable video of him with CoCo (not the late night tv host :) ) and I couldn't help but smile at the warmth that it put in my heart.

I hope he has found peace, and I hope his family and loved ones are able to heal from the tragedy of losing him. If there is anything to gain from this (not that I could ever wish to gain something from the loss of life), it is that there is no immunity to mental illness. It touches all races, all income levels, and even those in the spotlight can slip through the cracks and be lost forever.

It feels like something like this should be preventable..... But then sometimes people don't want to be saved, and go at length to ensure they aren't. It's just so sad.

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he had bipolar disorder

Whipera, are you saying you know his medical history?

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