Trailwatch427 t1_iykm4vm wrote on December 2, 2022 at 2:17 AM

Reply to comment by AMC4x4 in Well-known town official kills domestic partner, then himself at home in New London by M0RALVigilance

That's what Robin Williams was suffering from, Lewy Body Dementia. That's why he committed suicide, he couldn't face life anymore. Then everyone said he had severe depression, and criticized his family and friends for not being supportive enough. Your story helps people understand the extraordinary challenges and tragedy of this disease. Thanks for your post.

AMC4x4 t1_iyl6v7v wrote on December 2, 2022 at 5:13 AM

When we first suspected Lewy Body, someone told me that it was what Robin Williams suffered from as well. I had never heard of it before. But the more I learned about it, the more I understood why he did what he did. If he had clarity at any point about what was happening to him, it's totally understandable wanting to go out on his own terms and not being able to face what he knew was involved with the likely progression of the disease.

A relative had Alzheimer's for ten years. She didn't have the digestive tract issues, swallowing issues, the nausea, hallucinations (actually, this one was for YEARS before other symptoms appeared - she would see people in the dark), sleeping difficulties, the entire autonomic nervous system issues... I'm not at ALL discounting the challenges of those suffering from Alzheimer's, I will just say again, I can understand Robin Williams' actions.

I had been thinking of deleting my comment as it seemed too personal, so thank you. I'll leave it. This is, indeed, a terribly challenging and horrible disease.

Trailwatch427 t1_iyoy2ic wrote on December 3, 2022 at 12:48 AM

Please keep it there. I heard so many folks criticize Williams' family and friends. There was a young man in my community, only 38, who committed suicide because he'd been suffering from schizophrenia for 20 years. He went from being a cheerful, slender young man, full of music and mischief. At thirty-eight, he was obese and glassy eyed from all the drugs he had to take. He just couldn't face his life continuing to go downhill. His parents were 70, for them it was the end of his life, but also the end of all the emergency calls to hospitals and the police. Loss of sleep, loss of time.

His dad had bought an old mansion, and converted it into a rooming house for his son and others in need of supportive housing. Then his son was in his own home, but also surrounded by a caring group of friends. Still, the man took his own life, despite the love and support. We really need to stop judging family and friends in these cases.