There is a traditional, widely-accepted consensus that funny people are automatically happy. The argument states that their ability to bring joy to others is so profound that, of course, they must be happy themselves. This is not the case.

Since I was young, I've studied the bodies of work of legendary comedians such as Robin Williams, John Belushi, Chris Farley, Greg Giraldo, and the like. I idolized and took pieces of their routines and humor to shape my own. Spanning several decades, performers like these achieved great fame and became household names in the world of comedy. It didn't end well for them, as they either committed suicide or overdosed on drugs. It turned out that the people that provided the most joy to their audiences struggled with maintaining joy themselves.

As someone who prides himself on being funny and providing happiness to others, I'm obligated to raise awareness for my community. It's always tragic when anybody, let alone a celebrity, passes before their time. That's a given. But, comedians have this stereotype of being untouchable. Flawless. Unable to share the same feelings that others do. We have to stop taking their internal happiness for granted.

Comedians are so talented at what they do because they can make a joke out of anything. Dark humor, situational humor, morbid humor, nerd humor. Comedians have specialized intelligence due to their ability to understand deeper and more complex things that others cannot. They make concepts and ideas relatable to the public. This trait isn't always positive, as many comedians are pessimistic and narcissistic. As in the unfortunate case of Robin Williams, many deal with deep depression. I'll never forget the day I heard the news of his death, and many are still mourning five years later.

To be precise, check on your funny friends. Check on everybody, regardless. Make sure that they seem at peace with their lives, other than casual stress. Support them. You aren't aware of what demons they have. Even if it kills the mood or a joke, ask them what's going on. Ensure that the last time you see them--won't be the last time you see them.