I'm having a hard time reading comment like "he took the cowards way out". It's so frustrating how un-informed people can be and make such harsh judgements. I wish wish depression didn't have such a 'stigma'. Maybe my Mom would have gotten help.
I think people with depression (or previous depression, rather, since people with current episodes are not likely to be so open) are more and more talking publicly about it, which will help everyone so much. And Robin Williams' death may help many others by opening the eyes of their friends, relatives and co-workers as the conversation includes so many people who are now speaking out.
At least I hope that kind of good can come from this. And it would be fitting for Robin Williams to once again be bringing happiness (and treatment and support) to others.