Robin Williams Was Battling Parkinson’s Disease, Anxiety and Depressions, Says Wife
Many of us are still struggling to understand the recent death of Robin Williams, 63, who committed suicide on Monday in his Marin County, California home. Today, Robin Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, released a heartbreaking personal statement which offers some insight into why this comic genius may have taken his own life:
“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.
Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.
Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.
It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects your movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson's disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.”
Other celebs battling this rare disease include Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali and Linda Ronstadt.
