The world is deeply saddened and indeed much poorer for the untimely death of Robin Williams. For me personally his performances in Good Will Hunting and in particular Dead Poets Society were deeply emotional and inspiring. 

After such a rich if deeply troubling life the manner of his death makes the loss seem even more tragic. He seemed from the outside to be surrounded by all that materially one could seek for in this life – yet somehow so immersed was he in a world of emotional pain that he was unable to seek out the help he so desperately needed.

Robin had admitted to the world often in a public, disparaging manner to his battle with addiction to alcohol and drugs and in particular to suffering from severe depression. One could ask: what is it about depression that would bring him to such a dark place? The answer is that only those who have suffered from severe bouts of this condition can relate to the emotional turmoil and deep seated pain that can seep into the very soul of our human existence.

The two thoughts that ‘I am worthless’ and that ‘this pain will go on forever’ can bring us to the point where we feel that death is the only solution. When I believe that ‘I am the problem’ instead of ‘It is the problem’ (i.e. depression) then removing myself can seem to be the only way out.

If there is a message that Robin from beyond the grave can pass to us it may be the importance of having at least one person that we can open up to and share our pain when one is feeling like this.

The two thoughts that ‘I am worthless’ and that ‘this pain will go on forever’ can bring us to the point where we feel that death is the only solution.

For the reality is that depression is so treatable and that the cause of our emotional pain can be so helped by a holistic package of lifestyle, drug therapy if required and particularly talk therapies available. But we must be brave enough to open our heart up to at least one person we trust and from there to seek out the professional help that is out there.

Too many wonderful lives both young and not so young are being lost and I feel a deep sense of loss that a life so rich has now joined that tragic number. We will miss you Robin and the world is poorer for your passing. Despite the fact that your emotional mind tried to convince you that you were of no worth – to us left behind your worth was incalculable.

For any reading this that are that in such a deep emotional hole, stretch out your hand – don’t leave behind loved ones and friends who can never replace the special person that you are.

Dr Harry Barry, GP, author of 'Flagging Depression – A Practical Guide’ (Liberties Press) and board member of Aware.