Sue Scheff: Depression, Suicide and Prevention

With the recent tragic news of the untimely death of Michael Blosil, 18 year-old son of Marie Osmond, combined with the suicide of Growing Pains TV actor, Andrew Koenig, alerts everyone that there are people that are suffering with serious depression which can reach to suicidal results.

The L.A. Times reported that Blosil had jumped from his downtown Los Angeles apartment at 9 p.m. Friday (February 26th) and had left a suicide note.

These recent sudden deaths that were not necessary, are a wake up call to people that may know someone that are suffering silently, or have become withdrawn. Especially with teens, parents need to be aware of warning signs.

Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) was founded by Jackie Rosen. Her son committed suicide 22 years ago and she has devoted her life to helping prevent others from going through this pain as well as educating people about the warning signs.

Depression is a major factor in the lives of our youth and young adults ages 10 to 24. In Broward County, the youngest child identified by the medical exam­iner to die of suicide due to depression was only 9 years of age. Every 43 sec­onds a teen in the USA age 15 to 18 has either planned a suicide or attempted a suicide due to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

On March 24, 2010 the 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Day at the Capitol, is a statewide event to promote education and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Visit Florida's Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Many thoughts and prayers are with people that have lost someone tragically to suicide. Especially to the Koenig and Osmond families, may they know we are all thinking of them.

Be an educated parent, friend, relative, grandparent and you could possibly save a life.

Read more on Examiner.

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