Death by Suicide happens all too often

Posted at the American for Suicide Prevention website:

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to come check out my fundraising page. In September of 2007, I plan on participating in an '"Out of the Darkness" community walk sponsored by the AFSP. Suicide prevention and awareness is an issue that is very dear to my heart. Having suffered from major depression and anxiety disorders since I was 13 years old, I know personally the pain and suffering that comes along with these diseases and others like them, that unfortunately end in suicide all too often. I have been affected by this tragedy as well, and know that suicide is something that changes your life forever and is something that you never get over. In May of 2006, I lost a good friend named Maribel Garcia to suicide. She was a beautiful, kind-hearted girl who had everything in the world going for her. She was kind, friendly to everybody, smart, athletic, artistically talented, and had the smile of an angel. Because of her battle with depression, however, she was the only one unable to see all these things that were so amazing about herself. A lot of people didn't see it coming at all, but of course in hindsight there are always signs you think you should have caught or things you could've done to prevent it. By that time though, it's too late and a lot of people learned that the hard way that day. Losing her was the most difficult thing I've gone through in my life, and I don't want anybody else to have to lose a loved one to suicide. That's why I will be walking in Maribel's memory, and I ask that if this is a cause that you also support, please consider donating to either myself or somebody else on Team Maribel. All proceeds will go directly to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It doesn't matter how much you donate, anything and everything counts and will be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to come out and support us at Busse Woods on 9/29/07. It would mean the world and more to me, and so many other people who have dealt with similar issues. Thanks for your time! ---Megan

On the Students Overcoming Suicide MySpace site:

Most of all…be kind to other people. You don’t know what they’re dealing with in their personal lives or the kind of hardships they’ve face in the past. You don’t know who’s about to be pushed over the edge. Maybe the quiet kid who sits in the corner in one of your classes is incredibly lonely, and thinking about ending his life. Just a hello or maybe sitting next to him could be the difference between life and death for him. Something as simple as holding a door, or just offering a smile, could mean the world to somebody who’s in a lot of pain. Be compassionate and don’t judge. Do the best you can to love yourself. If we can’t love ourselves, there’s no way we can truly love others, and we’re all we really have in this world. ---Megan

Her death by suicide occured a few weeks ago.

Megan offers some things that ought to be easy to do and maybe we can help lighten someone else’s load just a bit and make a real difference in their life with a simple kind gesture. I hope and pray we will.