"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lost it." Robin Williams (1951-2014)

Robin Williams’ birthday was yesterday. He would have been 65 years old. When Robin Williams took his own life in 2014, before the details of his Lewy Body Dementia were made public, I worried that one of my worst fears was true: Out-working depression wasn’t an option. You can reach your goals in every area of your life and still not escape depression. One of my readers shared that she calls depression the “Dark Passenger,” a nod to the TV show Dexter. I wondered if Robin felt like this passenger was always with him, no matter what he accomplished, how many people he entertained, or how many people he loved.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a neurological disorder that has depression as a symptom, but also hallucinations, motor problems, anxiety and loss of memory. According to The Alzheimer's Association, like Alzheimer, LBD is caused by a buildup of protein deposits in the brain. Robin Williams’ passing still makes me think about my mental health, not just for now but in the future. As if having depression isn’t enough, people who have clinical depression are also more likely to develop Alzheimer's and dementia later in life. 

Knowing this drives home the point that it is really about mental wellness. Treating your brain like your heart, lungs, kidneys and all the other organs that you want to work properly. Making sure that you manage your stress levels, keep the inflammation in your body down (turmeric milk is my staple) and developing your mental capacity throughout your life by learning and practicing new skills. 

Nope of these tips are a guarantee that you will beat mental illness, Alzheimer's or dementia later in life, but you’ll have a better shot. As with your physical health, taking care of your brain is about creating a present that your future self will thank you for.

To Health and Madness,
Chakka