Robin Williams' Daughter, Zelda, Spoke Out About Depression In The Most Beautiful Way

Robin Williams' Daughter, Zelda, Spoke About Depression In The Most Beautiful Way

It's been over a year since the world lost Robin Williams to depression, after took his own life on 11 August 2014.

Now, more than a year on, she has taken to Instagram to open up about depression, both mourning her father and offering heartfelt support to those living with mental illness.

Posting a beautiful photo of a moon-lit lake, she wrote: "I spent this night shivering and laughing under a clear, cold sky full of stars with people I love just to witness something beautiful. We mooned the moon and laughed ourselves hoarse, and I'm so incredibly grateful for every silly second."

She added: "I came to a realization this year that I feel compelled to share here, for whomsoever may need it: Avoiding fear, sadness or anger is not the same thing as being happy. I live my sadness every day, but I don't resent it anymore. Instead, I do it now so that the wonderful moments of joy I do find are not in order to forget, but to inhabit and enjoy for their own sake. It's not easy. In fact, I'd say it takes much more effort to consciously do than it does to just stay sad, but with all my heart, I cannot tell you how worth it it is.

"And for those suffering from depression, I know how dark and endless that tunnel can feel, but if happiness seems impossible to find, please hold on to the possibility of hope, faint though it may be. Because I promise you, there're enough nights under the same yellow moon for all of us to share, no matter how or when you find your way there."

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This isn't the first time Zelda has opened up about her father's illness. After taking a break from social media at the time of his death, she uploaded a photo of a new tattoo in his honour with the words: "I'll always put my hand out to shake with a smile."

Writing on her Instagram account at the time of her father's death, she said: "I will be leaving this account for a but while I heal and decide if I'll be deleting it or not. In this difficult time, please try to be respectful of the accounts of myself, my family and my friends.

"Mining our accounts for photos of dad, or judging me on the number of them is cruel and unnecessary. There are a couple throughout, but the real private moments I shared with him were precious, quiet, and believe it or not, not full of photos or 'selfies'.

"I shared him with a world where everyone was taking their photo with him, but I was lucky enough to spend time with him without cameras too. That was more than enough, and I'm grateful for what little time I had."

If you've been affected by the issues in this article, please call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

Other useful websites and helplines:

  • Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
  • Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994; email: help@getconnected.org.uk or visit the website getconnected.org.uk
  • href="http://www.youngminds.org.uk/" target="_hplink">Young Minds

    offers information to young people about mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • HopeLine runs a confidential advice helpline if you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide. Mon-Fri 10-5pmand 7pm-10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm on 0800 068 41 41
  • HeadMeds - a straight-talking website on mental health medication
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