This is what I just posted on my FB page (and I rarely, if ever, even make a passing comment on the death of a celebrity):
" 'O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills.' I don't usually join the list of "remote" mourners when a celebrity dies, but depression is a disease that is far too "covered up," and hits far too close to home. So sad that someone who brought such joy and laughter to the lives of so many others couldn't find victory from his own demons. Depression does not depend on circumstance, it is a DISEASE. I hope that Robin William's death causes at least ONE person suffering from depression to seek the help they need."
I'll add here that I suffered most of my adult life with clinical depression. I hid it, I was embarrassed by it, I denied it, I tried to "overcome" it by sheer willpower, and more than once, I contemplated giving in to it. I am so incredibly thankful that there were those in my life who loved me enough to SEE it, and compel me to face it and get help.
I was lucky, really--after about 6 years on a variety of antidepressants, some counseling and a lot of support (and a spiritual encounter that I'll not get into here), I have not even needed medication in about four years now. Like an alcoholic, I don't think I'd ever say I am "cured," but I have not had an episode of clinical depression in nearly 6 years now.