The much-loved actor and comedian reportedly took his own life after a long battle with depression. The world mourned the loss of a man who brought so much laughter, though his death also gave people the chance to talk openly about “the black dog”.

And that conversation continued yesterday when the Big Blue Bus rolled into Bathurst offering free information and advice about beyondblue, depression and anxiety, and local health services.

It was an opportunity for people to take the first step on what must be a frightening journey towards better health.

And it was an opportunity for people who had fears for their loved ones to become better educated themselves.

And it was another opportunity for the whole community to talk about depression, because the experts seem united in the belief that talking can be a powerful remedy.

It’s shocking to hear that more than 2500 Australians took their own life in 2012, including many in rural and regional areas.

Indeed, statistics show the rate of suicide in the bush is around 1.6 times the rate in the city, and it is a crisis that has touched most local people in one way or another.

The death of Robin Williams was no more or less tragic than those 2500 Australians who also could see no light at the end of the tunnel.

But if the loss of Robin Williams can make us all a little more open with ourselves and others about how we are really feeling, then his death may not have been all in vain.

Lifeline offers counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone 13 14 11.