On the Link Between Depression, Comedy and Creativity

I don't normally feel the need to write about celebrity deaths, but Robin Williams' story has touched me and I feel compelled to do so. There's not much left to say that other bloggers haven't already covered, but I'd like to share my perspective as the issue of depression is close to my heart.

*Warning: Discussion of mental illness may be triggering for some.*

Like others, my initial reaction to the news was shock and disbelief. Surely it had to be a hoax? Williams was such a funny, larger-than-life character that it's so hard to imagine that he's gone. Then as the circumstances of his death emerged, I started to accept and understand it. I recognised the all-too-familiar pattern of a person seeming to live a happy and fulfilled life on the surface, but struggling with demons underneath. It's another sharp reminder that depression can affect anyone-even those who bring such joy to others.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Movies or TV Shows

Today is Top Ten Tuesday, a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!  Every week they post a new top ten list and everyone can join in and share their own picks. If you'd like to take part, hop on over to the blog and sign up with the linky. If you don't have a blog, feel free to post your answers in the comments.

This week's topic is: Favourite Movies or TV Shows. As I have way too many favourites, I've had to split them into several different categories to make it a bit easier.

H is for Humour

Today I'm continuing with the A-Z Blogging Challenge. The aim is to write a post for every day of the month except for Sundays, with each post representing a different letter of the alphabet. This year I'm doing an A-Z of Great Britain, covering as much as I can about British music, literature, TV and film, food, wildlife and culture.

For the letter 'H' I have chosen Humour. Much like our standards of etiquette, British humour can be hard for 'non-natives' to grasp. There's no 'magic formula' for what British people find funny-we're all different and amused by anything and everything. But generally speaking, British humour tends to focus on silly slapstick, witty wordplay and steely sarcasm.

Teaser Tuesday (2) The Witches of Chiswick by Robert Rankin

Today I'm joining in with the weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading- Teaser Tuesdays!