Free, Mental Health Boost, Laugh

July 20, 2010 updated August 14, 2014

"Arrested Development," The television series show aired from 2003 - 2006. In 2008, me and my daughter, who were both through a rough time, needed some humor in our lives.

When we first decided to search for comedic relief, we watched "Reba," the television series for weeks. Together we started at the beginning, of season one. During this time, we laughed and cried and were encouraged by this single mother who held her family together with love and hilarity; and a bit of an iron fist, covered with sugar.

As we neared the end of Reba's shows, we searched around for funny stuff we could watch. My daughter, Kate asked if I had ever seen the show, "Arrested Development?"

I had some negative preconceived notions about "Arrested Development" based on nothing that I can put my finger on, but trusting my daughter's tastes and love of humor, we decided this would be our next series to watch from the beginning.

I am forever changed by this sick, but funny sitcom.

Kate had the entire DVD collection of all three seasons, she had not seen yet. We watched them over,and over, grinning and laughing like drunken pirates.

• The Bluth Family is the best and the worst of Americans who lived through the Bush-Rice-Cheney era.
• The Bluth Family was wealthy, a bit shady in business [as was the standard during these times], irreverent, and somewhat incestuous.,
• This "once wealthy family," The Bluth's are a type and parody of the American business model that we witnessed crash and burn from 2005 and beyond.

They watched those three seasons, probably 10 times each. Funny? You bet. Smiles? Yes.

For months after watching the Arrested Development series, I would start to doze off, when suddenly a scene from AD would pop into my brain. I would start laughing, and howling over a "blue handprint" on a wall of their fake kitchen.

Depressed? Cannot afford mental health care, or just sad over your jacked up family? Get a load of the Bluth family.

One crazy chicken dance.

Has anyone in that family ever seen a real chicken?

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Need laughs?

Yes, we all need to laugh, to stay healthy mentally and physically. The update of this article takes place just days after the passing of Comedian, Actor, and Activist Robin Williams.

From the time I was a child, watching "Mork and Mindy," (1978) until recent years (2009), Robin Williams made me laugh. He worked hard to make sure people got their good medicine..

The thing about Williams humor was that he would serve it, with no work from the audience. Hecklers? No problem. He still brought humor, and gave us laughter. Watching some of his stand-up comedy videos on YouTube yesterday, I could see how hard he pulled from within to give to everyone.

When it came to Robin Williams, I think it just took it's toll.

In 2008, when I first started writing for HubPages, I was in a horrible depression. I thought my life was over. Nearing fifty years old, I was beginning to realize how little value I had in the eyes of society, and the job market.

I was unemployed, and seconds away from homelessness. The first thing I did was write these dorky hubs on smiling, laughter and humor. I was dying on the inside, but I felt compelled to try to get others to laugh.

No, I would never compare myself with a great comedian such as Robin Williams, but I certainly feel his pain. I am sorry I took him for granted, and as is the way with humans, I did not realize what a hole his passing left in our lives, until he was gone.

In the future, I will try to be more supportive of those who are pouring it all out to give, and while they live, let them know how much I appreciate them. 08.14.2014