Mourners grieve the loss
of hundreds in Belsan, Russia
Many Victims of the Russian School Massacre are Suicidal;
One has Died by Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
September 10, 2004
The horrible school massacre that occurred in Beslan, Russia, has deeply depressed and traumatized many of the people who were involved and has lead to suicide, attempted suicide, and hospitalization for many.
The terrifying storming of a school by Chechen terrorists on September 1, 2004, in which the terrorists held hundreds of school children hostage, ended in tragedy two days later when Russian forces stormed the school and the ensuing gun battle left hundreds of people dead, including many children.
After the horrible tragedy ended, one person died by suicide. Several
others have attempted suicide.
And doctors and psychiatrists who assessed the victims indicated that 142 were "on the verge of suicide" and needed to be hospitalized immediately.
"Our specialists work at hospitals and at funeral ceremonies," said Tatiana Dmitrieva, the director of Serbsky's Hospital, the central psychiatric hospital in Russia. "Unfortunately, we have lost one woman. She committed suicide when she identified her dead child."
Psychiatrists are deeply concerned about a possible series of suicides. "It is not time for mass suicides," senior psychiatrist of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Boris Kazakovtsev said. "An outburst of suicides usually starts a month or two after an emergency situation ends."
Many children have become extremely agitated and are unable to sleep, including a 12-year-old boy who has been screaming incessantly at night.
There are some positive signs in the children, however; for instance, one boy who was terrified a few days ago and did not want to go outside is now asking to go to the circus.
Doctors and psychiatrists will continue to work with all of the victims for as long as necessary.
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
