Local Psychologists Say We Can All Learn From Robin Williams Death

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Paying closer attention to your friend’s mood or behavior could very well save their life.

Thomas Cory, a clinical psychologist in Chattanooga, says, "I think what we do is we sometimes ignore people that have problems because they aren’t coming over to us and saying, hey, I’ve got a problem and need help."

Cory says we can all learn from Robin Williams death.

Cory adds, "Clearly, at times he was very manic like, and at times very depressed."

However, some people thought "that’s just who he is."

Cory adds, "It’s better to risk offending someone, saying, hey you don’t seem right, than it is to just let it go."

Manic Depressive people display specific characteristics.

Cory says, "They’re very quick to change their focus, change the conversation on you, they’ll change from subject to subject. "

And with that, people can have grandiose ideas.

Cory says, like trying to write a best selling novel and at the same time turning into a champion weight lifter.

Then, all of sudden, the person will become depressed.

Cory adds, "Episodes, hard to tell, can last six months to a year or they can be much briefer."

And just like in Williams case, people often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs just to control the moods.

Cory adds, "Problem is, a lot of time when a person is in the manic state, they’re every enjoyable to be around, they’re just from. When they’re withdrawn or depressed we’re a little more attentive, but a lot of times I think we just don’t identify that as a severe emotional problem."

If you don’t address the problem, suicide is a likely result.

Cory says encourage your friend to go to a psychiatrist because medication is pretty much the only way to take care of a chemical imbalance.

Now, if you feel your friend is suicidal, and live in Tennessee call 423-552-4636.

If you live in Georgia call 1-800-715-4225.