Local comedian says he shares some of Robin Williams' struggles; Now, he works to help others

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- New developments in the death of actor Robin Williams. We have learned he was discovered by his personal assistant in his home -- with a belt around his neck. His tragic death is once again shining the light on depression and addiction. Mental health professionals in Wisconsin say mental health and suicide are tough to talk about, but simply having the discussion can save a life.

At his practice space on Bluemound Road, stand-up comic Jim Rauth is coping with the death of Robin Williams.

"It hurts me. It pains me," Rauth said.

Williams struggled with depression and addiction publicly while his comedy was healing for guys like Rauth.

Rauth says his own recovery didn't happen until he opened up about his depression.

"Once I opened up that door, finally, after years of thinking I could manage these things on my own, reaching out for another hand, my world changed," Rauth said.

Rauth, in return, became a drug and alcohol abuse counselor -- writing several books on the topic. This, while operating "Comedy College" -- a stand-up comedy school.

"Never in a million years did I think that I would be on the other side of the fence helping people through the same things that I went through," Rauth said.

At Rogers Memorial Hospital, psychologist Rachel Leonard says she wants people to know it's okay to seek help for depression and other mental health issues.

"A lot of people have a have symptoms of depression or anxiety that they suffer from, and they never talk about it, so I think the more people talk about it and are open about treatment seeking like Robin Williams was , I think the better it is for everyone who is suffering," Leonard said.

Rauth says you don't have to go it alone. The loss of Robin Williams is tragic, but he hopes it becomes a turning point for others who need help, because he says asking for help can change, and maybe even save your life.

"You are as sick as your secrets. So you want to  discuss whatever it is. You want to constantly be sharing your emotions," Rauth said.

Leonard says opening up to a friend about depression or addiction can be a good first step. It is important to build a support group around you because people battling a mental illness shouldn't have to do it alone.

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