The apparent suicide of actor/comedian Robin Williams seems to be generating some talk about mental disorders and Dr. Laura Shea of the SIU School of Medicine says that is encouraging.
“I think talking about it is a step in the right direction. I think we to need to learn to have more civil conversations about difficult topics. Knowledge is a good thing. I’m glad to hear people are talking about this and trying to learn more,” says Shea. “Much depression goes untreated but there are medicines and counseling.”
She says depression and other mental illnesses are no different than diabetes or cancer and hopes the stigma surrounding depression may one day be eliminated.