Last week's deeply saddening news of Robin Williams' death is a timely reminder that mental health problems do not discriminate and show no regard for fame or fortune. Robin Williams had a well-documented history of battling depression and addiction problems and had recently been diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease. This will undoubtedly be an incredibly difficult period for Robin's family and close friends and our thoughts are with them. It's impossible to ever truly understand what would drive someone to take their own life, one can only assume that Robin Williams must have been dealing with some truly overwhelming feelings to consider suicide the best option available. Gradually the stigma and taboos around mental health are lifting, but asking for help and getting support are still defficult things, even in 2014, and it can be difficult to know where to turn. That's something that must change. 1 in 4 of us will be affected by mental health problems throughout the course of any given year and we must move towards a more open, accepting culture where mental health issues are given the same exposure and understanding as those such as heart disease and asthma If you have suicidal feelings, or know someone who does, don't hesitate in ensuring they are discussed with someone, preferably a GP. Mind, the mental health charity has an excellent website (www.mind.org.uk) and lots of support available - including an infoline (0300 123 3393)and options for those in need of urgent help. The Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) also has an infoline for those in urgent need - 08457 90 90 90. To find out more about Depression, read our guide here. To find out more about Suicide, read our guide here.