Robin Williams’ son says he felt ‘helplessness’ over father’s ‘intense personal pain’

Robin Williams’ son Zak is opening about his famous father’s death as the five year anniversary of his passing nears.

During an interview with “Good Morning Britain” Thursday, the new dad, 36, recalled the “helplessness” he felt during his own father’s mental health struggles.

“It was sad to see someone who was suffering so. As a family member and a child, you want to do everything you can to help soothe and ease what seemed to be an intense personal pain,” he said. ”And there were times where it felt like there was helplessness from my part, I didn’t know what I could do, or how I could be of best support.”

He continued, “Amongst those people who were close to him, we all loved him so and found it difficult because he wasn’t always open to sharing his personal pain and struggle. And we noticed that over a period of time.”

The Oscar-winning actor and comedian took his own life in his California home on Aug. 11, 2014 at age 63. At the time, Williams’ rep Mara Buxbaum told USA TODAY he had been “battling severe depression of late.”

Zak also said his father continued to perform despite his struggles.

”It was heartbreaking because he still went out and wanted to share his feelings of laughter and humor with the world,” he said. “And while he was suffering and struggling, he still went out and performed. I admire him and loved him so, and having to share him was hard.”

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.

Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

Read more at usatoday.com.