Robin Williams’ Daughter Zelda Williams Speaks Out About Mental Illness Stigma

Robin Williams’ only daughter, Zelda Williams, has decided to speak out about the stigma against mental illness. In wake of her father’s tragic suicide, she’s decided to shed light on the struggle with mental illness.

On Friday, October 10, she took to Twitter in honor of World Mental Health Day. She shared her concerns about the misrepresentation of mental illness, and how it is just as important as the physical aspects of a person’s health. Zelda is currently advocating to end the stigma against mental illnesses.

“Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay. Mental illness is often misunderstood & misrepresented, but that’s starting to change,” she tweeted on Friday, October 10. “Let’s end the stigma. Mental health IS as important as physical health, & whether there are visible signs or not, the suffering is real. It can affect EVERYONE.”

She went on to stress the importance of seeking help.

“So please, let’s help stop the misconceptions & support those who need our help,” she continued. “Healing the whole starts with healing minds. No matter what the misinformed say, you can’t simply CHOOSE to make mental illness go away. It is NOT cowardly to suffer or seek help.”

She also shared a number of details about her father. The 23-year-old revealed that the famed actor-comedienne struggled with bouts of depression his entire life.

“Lastly, my dad openly fought depression his whole life, both in general and his own,” she concluded. “No matter what anyone says, it is a FIGHT. Fight on.”

Robin Williams died of an apparent suicide on August. 11. He reportedly battled depression and substance abuse throughout most of his adult life.

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