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diabeticSupply t1_j5nnrx3 wrote

I just want to clarify that Robin Williams’ death was probably not caused by depression. He was suffering from an incurable mentally degenerative disease that is absolutely horrifying in it is later stages. It’s much more likely that he took his life because he didn’t want himself or his friends and family to suffer as the disease ran its course.

This quote is weird because it makes it sound like he took his life because he was extraordinarily sad and not because he was suffering from Lewy body dementia.

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fabberkraut t1_j5nshcm wrote

The terrorist inside my husband's brain, by Susan Schneider Williams (Robin's wife)

I believe this is a necesary read, although sad and raw.

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Caedawen t1_j5nx3iu wrote

I was hoping to see this linked. I had read it a while ago and it did a great job of explaining what happened. Thank you for sharing it.

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MKE_abroad t1_j5o63ow wrote

Definitely a heavy read. But fuck man, it's so well written. A truly beautiful and elequently written piece that just echos with both love and grief.

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musicalsigns t1_j5of4dt wrote

Thank you for sharing this. The loss of Robin still hurts, even though I never knew him personally. It feels like one of the brightest lights on earth went out that day. My mother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. It's been heavy and while this scared the hell out of me, it was also comforting to know we're not alone in these neurological battles.

Thanks again.

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StakDoe t1_j5p3ox2 wrote

Thank you for sharing this. I knew he had some form of dementia but I never realized just how severe his symptoms became over time. I can almost feel the relief over her words, she no longer has to live and die based on his functioning. Such a bittersweet end to such a wonderful man's life. Thank you again.

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Bartleby_the_hound t1_j5nsosi wrote

That being said, he did suffer from depression multiple times throughout his life. Not saying you're wrong, just that the quote is still relevant and from experience. The Lewy body disease caused a loss of 40% of his dopamine neurons, which given how important a role dopamine baselines play in depression, it's almost certain he was also depressed, on top of all of the other hellish things the disease threw his way.

For anyone who wants to know more about his death, here's an article from his wife, published by the American Academy of Neurology.

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PunktualPenguin t1_j5o0dli wrote

I think he said that at a time that he didn’t know what was coming and we aren’t sure how far back the effects actually started.

Given that it takes between 5-20 years before it finally kills the person. It’s likely that it ramps up over a longer period and impacted his mental health in the decade or more leading up to his death.

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PogbaFifa23 t1_j5nt1xu wrote

Suffering from depression isn't the same as suffering low mood, grief, sadness, etc. Everyone deals with the latter. Not everyone deals with genuine depression.

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Garmand3r t1_j5ntba4 wrote

Thank you. And there's also a difference between situational depression and chronic/major depression.

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Bartleby_the_hound t1_j5nubsg wrote

In Robin's case history, he admits to having had depression, at least according to his widow, please see the article.

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somabokforlag t1_j5o6pmy wrote

Remember that the role dopamine plays in Parkinsons disease and Lewy Body dementia is not equal to the role in depression. With that said, many suffering dementia also experience depression, that goes for alzheimers, vascular dementia, parkinsons and lewy body dementia.

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Bartleby_the_hound t1_j5om161 wrote

Your global levels affect everything, if they are down as a result of Parkinsons disease or Lewy Body dementia, they are down everywhere. And a loss of 40% of dopamine neurons from baseline is going to affect mood. There isn't a pool for each malady, it's a system.

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archonoid2 t1_j5nsgnd wrote

Thank you for this explanation he is one special soul and still around us, watch his movies and be part of his legacy. 🙏

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suggestiveinnuendo t1_j5nt0a2 wrote

No it doesn't, you can just read it in the context of the years of emotional pain he suffered due to depression and it makes perfect sense?

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i-am-qix t1_j5o6maj wrote

Or you can read his wife's article and draw your own informed conclusions.

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No_Painter9904 t1_j5ns791 wrote

Yeah but I feel like given his status he could have easily went somewhere where he could have ended his life on his terms with his family around. He was selfish in how he chose to go about it.

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TachycardicSymphony t1_j5o4ekf wrote

Are you suggesting that he should have killed himself in front of his wife and family members?

Or that he should have involved them in a plan to intentionally overdose, causing them to be complicit and potentially legally arrestable after his death?

You don't just get automatic permission for medically assisted (legal) suicide just because you have a terminal diagnosis. It's still a very, very, VERY rare thing to obtain legally in the US, and still very illegal no matter what in most states. And involving anyone else in your illegal suicide plan is incredibly dangerous for them from a legal standpoint. It's better if other people can't be accused of helping because it is still considered a crime.

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No_Painter9904 t1_j5o4unc wrote

Hence, going somewhere that would let him lol. Dude was rich and famous. Probably would have been trivial to setup.

Hell he probably could have got on an airplane or yacht and got around a bunch of laws if he couldn’t find somewhere.

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TachycardicSymphony t1_j5o64pc wrote

Whole paragraph about how suicide is illegal and traumatic, but nah, he's selfish for trying to leave his family out of it because

>"just go somewhere that would let him lol."

Ok. Glad you thought it through. Definitely should have killed himself in front of his family, because it'd be trivial to set up, and none of his family would ever be questioned by police when they legally have to report a dead body, (or are you suggesting they secretly bury him too? And pretend he's still alive and went missing?), none of the family members who were present would get terrorized by paparazzi accusing them of doing it, and none of the people around him would be forever burdened by guilt wondering if they should have stopped it while it was happening, even if in their hearts they know they shouldn't.

Yup, I'm glad you're here to confidently describe how easy and trivial and LOLZ it can all be. Such a shame he had to be selfish and exclude them from the fun.

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No_Painter9904 t1_j5o6mci wrote

🤷🏻‍♂️ he should have figured out something. Like I said I’m sure there’s somewhere that would have gave him the good night juice and be on the up and up. Much better than what he chose to do. His family knowing he went out like that. Probably surprised asf and devastated. He could have offered them closure. Instead of some shocking suicide.

I’m not even sure what he had. Hell there was probably a state he could have moved to where it was legal. Just watched some doc where a couple went and did that in the states.

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cwathybott t1_j5o0t3p wrote

I don’t think people who are severely depressed are thinking about something like that while their mind is being completely destroyed from the inside out. Think before you talk.

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yeetinghelps t1_j5o1n0h wrote

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yeetinghelps t1_j5o1nvk wrote

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yeetinghelps t1_j5o1o14 wrote

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ManyPoo t1_j5o2epg wrote

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ManyPoo t1_j5o2exy wrote

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ManyPoo t1_j5o2f53 wrote

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basaryenidunya t1_j5nnqoi wrote

He made me laugh during some of my lowest moments...but after he left I haven’t found any one to help pull me along like he did. Some days are so,so hard.

The daily swings are the hardest...RIP Robin

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HOLDERofFOOD t1_j5nqtj0 wrote

Hope you feel better. I’m sorry for what you’re going through. Life can be really tough. Doing your best, whatever that is at any given moment, is enough.

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CabbageCrawl t1_j5o8ec5 wrote

Nothing can replace Robin Williams in terms of comedic quality. But there is someone who comes kind of close in hilarity. Conan O'Brien makes me laugh a lot in his podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. That show has gotten me through the pandemic and listening to it is like sitting around with old pals, just shooting the shit.

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Spiritual-Act5855 t1_j68cg6d wrote

Aww❤️ u can always rewatch his films and skits. :( losing a person u admire and care about can be hard

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AMyznikov t1_j5nnzov wrote

I was thinkin about him earlier.

I relate too hard to this.

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Tirwanderr t1_j5o1qhw wrote

He'll just pop up in my brain too. There was always something just so comforting and warm about him.

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Delta4o t1_j5npi74 wrote

Jep, I'm my own lowest priority and never say or share anything unless it's really important or funny

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candeur t1_j5nxz5k wrote

I lived most of my life like this, but now I'm at a point where everyone else is even lower on my priority list than myself - they never reciprocate or even value what you do for them, because as much as it means to you, they can't relate and it doesn't mean much to them

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SaltLakeCitySlicker t1_j5o6sw4 wrote

Same. I spend most of my free time doing things for other people because I know it'll make them happy. I guess my reasoning is if I can't be happy, maybe bringing it to others will make me happy, even if temporarily

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Delta4o t1_j5oawwa wrote

Wanna hear a good one? I work at the same company and same team as my brother. Last week he was late for the 2 hour long train ride, so I ordered coffee for him for when he showed up (he does the same for me). I was standing in the door of the train and he was still not there. I heard the whistle and thought "fuck it, I'll take the next one with him" and stepped out as the doors were closing. When he saw that I willingly missed the train he said "omg you stupid idiot, why the F didn't you take the train". He barely spoke to me during the 2 hour train ride.

When we were at the office he ratted me out to my colleagues and they laughed at me...

People have always laughed at me for missing busses or trains and have never done anything about it. I decide to not leave my brother out in the cold and I get yelled at...

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SaltLakeCitySlicker t1_j5ocvkh wrote

Yeahhhh you gotta pick who you're doing things for. For instance, I keep bees and sent out about 7-8 gallons of honey to friends and family across the country. I had asked if they'd want it and would use it beforehand. Half the people didn't even send a text saying they got it, let alone are using it or a thank you. So guess who doesn't get any next harvest?

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KimberBr t1_j5nvul8 wrote

I can't believe it has been almost 9 years wince we lost a legend. That's insane.

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goldenfoxengraving t1_j5o4v1q wrote

Jesus! Nine years???!! It feels so much more recent

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KimberBr t1_j5o6y3o wrote

Right? He died in 2014. And we are in 2023. So yeah. 9 years. Most days it feels like yesterday

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spunkyweazle t1_j5nwd2t wrote

I like this quote but what exactly is it motivating me to do?

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ListenHere-Fat t1_j5o4zh7 wrote

surround yourself with depressed people so they can make you feel happy

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GigiSanITA t1_j5o4zmu wrote

It's a weird way to warn you of what happens if you put others before yourself.

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Aurelian_Lure t1_j5nqjx7 wrote

i think the opposite is also true. The happiest people also try to make others happy because they know how good it feels and wanna share the feeling.

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Suntzu6656 t1_j5nstbj wrote

Gone way too soon

Glad I was around when he exploded into the world.

Luckily we have sources to see his brilliance.

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godofbiscuitssf t1_j5nyyea wrote

He was one of the great things about San Francisco. There was always the possibility of seeing him just, y’know, out and about. Or at some event for a good cause where he’d show up just to give a boost to everyone and help raise more funds.

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iridale t1_j5ny2lj wrote

A weird little tidbit: Depression takes away a lot from a person, but for many (most?) sufferers, the sense of humour remains intact. It's a great help in maintaining social connections, and coping with the stress of the condition.

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Legend_Unfolds t1_j5o0945 wrote

I feel absolutely worthless right now. Wish I had someone or some way to help me feel a little more like I fit in here

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AstroBearGaming t1_j5o3mo9 wrote

You don't me yet, and I don't know you yet. You may not feel like you fit in, but that shouldn't reduce your worth in anyone's eyes, much less your own.

If you'd like I'll dm you and we can talk? I'm here for you if you'd like

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LoudNinjah t1_j5o0dqg wrote

It's been that long since he passed? Holy shit. Feels like it was only a couple years ago.

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i_am_goop t1_j5o27dz wrote

Not a fan of seeking motivation from hollywood actors, they are all egotistical assholes who think they are better than us commoners

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AllInterimWrestling t1_j5o5w3i wrote

The funniest bubble of reality popping for them is when they try to influence elections and fail badly lol.

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Euhporicswordsman t1_j5o6lhy wrote

What? What celebrities "try and fail to influence elections"? Do you mean when they post on their social media pages? Or like those commercials telling people to vote?

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texxelate t1_j5nvsmj wrote

Never forgot this quote when I first heard it. It’s so incredibly insightful and sad at the same time.

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Quantentheorie t1_j5o0x0i wrote

Two comedians I was absolutely zero surprised to hear struggled with depression were Williams and Jim Carrey.

I had to watch Bruce almighty every year at ski camp (look, they only had the one movie) and because it made me sad every time I spent every year trying to figure out why I so disliked his physical humour. I related, but I related in the "I can see the pain beneath and I dont want to" way.

Not to shit on either of them, I adore them both in serious roles, but their comedy movies are often downers to me.

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Randall_Hickey t1_j5o0x80 wrote

He might not have even been talking about himself when he said this. It’s an assumption everyone makes.

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iTeaL12 t1_j5o15m4 wrote

No, it can't be that he's dead for this long, nearly 10 years. I remember the day the news broke like it was yesterday. Ffs time is flying.

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NepTheNap t1_j5o1amw wrote

I really miss him. He didn't deserve such a fate.

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JewelKnightJess t1_j5o2o5d wrote

If there is a "Good Place", he's there now. ♥️ Miss you, Mr Williams

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rjs1138 t1_j5o2oer wrote

Damn, still miss this guy...his character was infectious and he brought it to everything he did.

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NicoCrestmere t1_j5o3cgz wrote

Everyone says the world changed after Harambe died in '16, I think it was closer to 2014 actually. I'm still not over this one.

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AB-G t1_j5o4224 wrote

Beautiful human being

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uglybudder t1_j5o457w wrote

Honestly still miss him. Big part of my childhood

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Neat-Plantain-7500 t1_j5o49hb wrote

He made Christopher Reeve a little happier by offering him a proctology exam.

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jordytheknifemaker t1_j5o4aqv wrote

If you make a career and receive recognition and accolades because you stole from countless young comics ruining their careers before they got started…your conscious will torture you.

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Funfruits77 t1_j5o5dcq wrote

Man, this hits so hard, because it’s true. The times I’ve been most depressed I’m the same way. When I was stuck in that hole, I would do similar things as I didn’t want those around me to know how sad and lonely I was. Loneliness is one of the worst experiences a human can have. I’d make everyone else laugh but I could experience no happiness. Glad those days are behind me. If this happens to you please tell your people so they can help you.

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CoupwalObiWan t1_j5o5rqx wrote

Oh my God, it was six years ago. Reminds me of last week.

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Jason_SAMA t1_j5o601q wrote

This... hit me pretty hard.

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horrorkesh t1_j5o6dxl wrote

I miss that man so much though it is a true statement

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b_33 t1_j5o6qgu wrote

Don't know if this is a genuine quote, but speaking from experience you just recognise it better in others because you are going through it too.

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swxstik_ t1_j5o76lu wrote

I still relate to this quote years later :(

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Eiffel-Tower777 t1_j5o7ob9 wrote

It's depressing to realize someone who brought happiness to everyone was actually very sad himself. This picture tells it.

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Fezzy976 t1_j5o7oes wrote

Not gonna lie I shed tears when this man left us. I never met him but he connected with so many of us.

Only Williams and Leslie Nielson I shed tears for. They made my life happier and I will be forever greatful.

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moonsovermyhami t1_j5o8cef wrote

it feels like he died longer ago than 2014

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GladCricket t1_j5o8tea wrote

Still one of the most tragic losses of my lifetime. RIP cap

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PhatmanSlim93 t1_j5o8tgn wrote

I miss that wonderful man so much.

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ravnstorm t1_j5o93fi wrote

I always felt it is easier to make others happy then make yourself happy.

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TheHarrySeawurd t1_j67vjck wrote

Did anyone else read this in Robin William's voice?

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Spiritual-Act5855 t1_j68caq3 wrote

He is proof that mental health is so so important ! If u r feeling low or unwell, always talk about it ! A therapist, trusted friend, or an online group if u have to❤️ We love u Robin and we wish u were still here :(

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B33Man88 t1_j5nuv6t wrote

It must’ve been so hard for him having Tourette’s and Down’s Syndrome at the same time

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BleuEspion t1_j5nw9k6 wrote

would he be for or against the vaccine? any biters?

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TorzulUltor t1_j5o40o3 wrote

Prolly for? I don't see any reason why he would be against vaccines.

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BleuEspion t1_j5o5cld wrote

I agree. I am for vaccinations as well. I love the medical marvels of the world, and have a huge interest in the history of medical practice. I have a huge respect and admiration for the people that developed many medical marvels, and I am so grateful for it all. I really am. How ever I do no trust the mRNA vaccine. Having an interest in the medical field can pay off, quite literally. Pay attention to emerging technologies and invest accordingly. The mRNA vaccine was having troubles passing trials, and needs more work. Investors wanted the product out, and generating money, tired of delays. The mRNA vaccine was forced to the general public before it could satisfy safety protocols. Luckily the investors made bank, so don't worry about them.

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TorzulUltor t1_j5o5pq6 wrote

I think the absolutionist talk online when it comes to things like the vaccine are the problem.

I've taken it myself but I understand that comes with risks that we may not even know about such as long term side effects. It's a risk I'm willing to take but I can understand if other people might be skeptical about doing so.

Like maybe the vaccines are completely legit AND the pharma companies have found ways to unnecessarily profit off of them and such. Both could be true but if you even try suggesting such a thing you'll prolly get yelled at.

The branding of individuals with labels so can just demonise them and their opinions is quite annoying.

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