AT the risk of sounding callous, I have to say, I think that the death of actor Robin Williams (Echo, Aug 13) has been grossly over-hyped by the media.

We have to remember that tragedies are not merely restricted to the rich and famous, but also to other unfortunates who desperately fight to cling on to the most precious gift of all, which is life itself, while here, we have a person who had it all.

Pay respect with condolences but please don’t try to make a number one seller out of someone who once had it all but reclined into a history of drug addiction, alcoholism and finally, self-destruction.

T Seale, Middlesbrough.

I HAVE heard some people slating Robin Williams for committing suicide.

Please people, try to remember depression doesn’t discriminate.

It does not care if you are rich or poor, it’s an illness which sadly holds a stigma which should be lifted I don’t understand why people don’t try to understand.

Instead of saying “pull yourself together”, try and understand how people feel.

There but for the grace of God go I.

Brenda Storey, Trimdon.