Zak Williams, son of beloved actor Robin Williams, is bringing a message about mental health to New Jersey. It comes after his late father’s struggles with mental health – along with his own.

When Robin Williams died by suicide in 2014, it shocked and saddened his fans. And for Zak Williams, it began a yearslong grieving process.

“Subsequent to my dad dying by suicide, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. It led to increased anxiety and depressive episodes and emotional dysregulation,” Zak says.

He says that along with therapy, becoming an advocate for mental health has helped his recovery. He says that his father battled mental illness throughout his life.

“He experienced a lot of anxiety over the course of his life,” Zak says. “He tried different ways to treat that anxiety, some involving things like alcohol.”

Zak will share his journey in a virtual discussion next Tuesday. It is part of a fundraiser for Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth to expand its behavioral health facilities. Zak says that removing the stigma of mental illness and increasing access to treatment is the key to improving countless lives.

More information about the fundraiser can be found on the Trinitas website.

Anyone who may be struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide may reach out for help by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.