Robin Williams was ‘very uncomfortable,’ ‘frustrated’ before his death, son recalls

Robin Williams (Image: Instagram/@zakpym)

Robin Williams’ son Zak Williams opened up about his father’s mental health struggles, saying the comedian was “frustrated” and “very uncomfortable” before his death.

Robin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 before he took his own life in August 2014. It was later revealed during an autopsy that he actually suffered from Lewy body dementia, which has Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

“What I saw was frustration, because his initial diagnosis was Parkinson’s. He was frustrated because what he was going through didn’t match one to one [with] many Parkinson’s patients’ [experiences] so I think that was hard for him,” Zak told TV personality Max Lugavere during the latter’s “The Genius Life” podcast last Wednesday, July 21.

Zak added that Robin “felt frustrated” with issues on focus during the last years of his life.

“He felt frustrated. There was a focus issue that frustrated him,” he said. “There were issues associated with how he felt and from a neurological perspective, he didn’t feel great.”

Zak also recalled that his father struggled with his mental health while battling the disease, specifically when it came to depression and anxiety.

“There was just more anxiety and depression and just things he was experiencing and talking to me about made me realize he was very uncomfortable,” he said.

At the time, Zak felt that the comedian was getting irritated for not being able to perform the way he used to.

“From my lens, what I found was someone who was having challenges performing his craft — that was really irritating for him,” he told Lugavere. “When you’re a performer, it goes beyond pride in what you’re performing, it’s your livelihood.”

Robin’s diagnosis created a “unique form of suffering” for his family, which pushed Zak to consistently seek out his father’s company.

“It got to a point where we were talking every day and I wanted to be with him on a daily basis, because it can be really isolating even if you’re with family and loved ones,” he admitted.

Zak also recounted “self-medicating using alcohol” after his father’s death and called to end the stigma around mental health, especially for men. He added that he hopes there will be further treatments, research and protocols put in place to help patients with the same disease as his father.

The award-winning comedian, who would have turned 70 this year, was beloved by fans for his voice impersonations and iconic roles in “Aladdin,” “Jumanji,” “Dead Poets Society” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.”  /ra

The Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public, especially those who may have mental health issues, that they can contact the DOH’s 24/7 Hopeline to either help them unburden their emotional problems or to seek professional help. Hopeline can be reached via hotlines 804-HOPE (4673); 0917-558-HOPE (4673); or 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers).

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