Parents struggle to Cope with Daughter's Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
July 13, 2004
It has been several years since Katy Coyer died by suicide, but her parents still struggle to cope with the intense emotional pain.
Katy lived in South Carolina with her wonderful parents. She was a very smart 14-year-old, a cheerleader, a member of the drama club, and a straight-A student.
But Katy began to act in an unusual manner. She became highly introspective, sad, lethargic, and stopped doing her chores and school work. She also began to believe that nobody loved her.
"She did ask us repeatedly whether we loved her.to the point where I remember saying to her, 'You know that we love you,'" said Sandy, Katy's mother.
Katy was most probably suffering from depression or a similar mental illness. And because depression causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, it was impossible for Katy to think clearly. Depression also causes intense sadness and emotional pain, and Katy wanted to end that sadness and pain.
Katy's parents still feel strong guilt, confusion, and anger about the suicide. And they wonder why Katy did not reach out for help.
Floyd Coyer, Katy's dad, wants to give all young people who are contemplating suicide a strong message. "Understand what you're doing, what you're about to put your mom and dad through. You're putting them through a living hell," said Floyd.
And Floyd is 100% right. Suicide does not get rid of pain; it magnifies the pain and tranfers it to your loved ones.
So the focus needs to be on stopping the pain. And the way to stop the pain is by getting treatment -- and
depression is a highly treatable condition.
Please learn the warning signs for depression by visiting the following page:
Depression and Suicide
And please learn the warning signs for suicide by visiting the following page:
Suicide Warning Signs
Also, all schools need to have a suicide prevention program so students can reach out for help when they need it. Suicide.org offers a free Suicide Prevention School Guide.
You should use this guide to start a suicide prevention program in your school as soon as possible.
Please click below for the free guide:
Free Suicide Prevention Program for Schools
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
