Originally Posted by kunsunoke

"Choice" may not be the correct word here.

Williams was affected by bipolar disorder and depression, which tend to be difficult to treat. The bipolar disorder likely influenced some of the impulsive choices he made with regard to relationships that he had, and the self-medication (booze) made things even worse. Add to that the culture in which he lived (narcissistic/superficial/unsupportive) and to the crushing workload he had and it's easy to see where the death spiral came from.

Williams realized he needed help, which is why he was back in rehab recently. It might not have been the correct choice from a medical standpoint, though, especially if he was going through a depressive period (as he was).

The Black Dog is ultimately fatal for some people. Sometimes luck and support structure have quite a bit to do with the outcome. It's not like we have that great of an infrastructure to treat the mentally ill anymore - thanks to the APA recommending the closure of psychiatric hospitals.

RIP Robin Williams.