{"id":363,"date":"2014-08-15T00:45:13","date_gmt":"2014-08-15T04:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/perceptatherapeutic.com\/?p=363"},"modified":"2016-12-04T16:23:07","modified_gmt":"2016-12-04T21:23:07","slug":"depression-bipolar-disorder-the-death-of-robin-williams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/perceptatherapeutic.com\/?p=363","title":{"rendered":"Depression, Bipolar Disorder & The Death Of Robin Williams"},"content":{"rendered":"
O Captain, My Captain<\/a><\/h6>\n
The tragic death of beloved actor and comedian, Robin Williams (July 21, 1951- August 11, 2014), from an apparent suicide, has put a long overdue national spotlight on mental illness. Following his death, his media representative, released a statement that, in part, read that Williams had been, \u201cbattling severe depression of late.”<\/h6>\n

Good Will Hunting<\/a><\/p>\n

Authorities believe that the \u201cAwakings,\u201d \u201cDead Poets Society,\u201d \u201cGood Will Hunting,\u201d \u201cMrs. Doubtfire,\u201d \u201cAladdin,\u201d<\/em><\/strong> and \u201cGood Morning Vietnam,\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/span> genius actor\u2019s ongoing battle with depression and bipolar disorder contributed to his suicide; Williams admittedly, also suffered from drug and alcohol addiction, and recently reports have indicated that he was also going through the early stages of Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

\"Robin
Robin Williams 1951-2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Depression is real. Depression is a devastating and serious illness that should not be taken lightly, and if not professionally treated, can end in life threatening consequences that can include suicide.<\/h5>\n

In America alone, it is estimated that 7%<\/strong> of the population is suffering from major depressive disorder. In addition, the World Health Organization reports that over 300 million<\/strong> people globally are suffering from this disease. With these staggering numbers, it is time that depression gets brought out of the shadows and into the national conversation, with a focus on education to promote understanding in order to erase the sigma that is so often associated with mental illness. Perhaps more lives can be saved this way.<\/p>\n

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- 5th<\/sup> Edition (DSM-5), Major depression<\/strong> is characterized by, \u201cthe presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual\u2019s capacity to function.\u201d<\/p>\n

Depressive symptoms include:<\/p>\n