Robin Williams’ Laughter Masked a Deadly Disease

LEONID BERSHIDSKY
Bloomberg View

When someone as sparklingly witty as Robin Williams commits suicide — as the actor, once named the funniest person alive by Entertainment Weekly, apparently did last night — our first reaction is disbelief at the incongruity. Perhaps it shouldn’t be. Psychologists believe that some styles of humor can mask a greater susceptibility to depression. In fact, a certain sense of humor may be a symptom of a widespread, often untreated disease that disables and kills. Continue reading →