TEA Gardens resident Carol Nelson knows only too well that life can change in an instant.

Just over 12 months ago, Carol’s son-in law David committed suicide leaving behind his wife and four young children.

David had a thriving business, was President of his local football club and had a loving family.

He was just 39 years of age.

“He’d had an illness for a long time, but he hid it so well,” Carol told News Of The Area.

“He didn’t want to go to a doctor, he was a typical young male, I can do this, I can get by,” she said.

David had suffered depression, dating back to a childhood trauma.

Statistics released by beyondblue state that suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 with around three thousand people dying by suicide every year.

That’s an average of eight people every day.

And as Carole has found, for every suicide there are tragic ripple effects for friends, families, colleagues and the broader community.

To raise awareness, Carol has become a fundraiser for beyondblue, organising a sausage sizzle to be held at the Myall Quays Shopping Centre to coincide with Market Day on Saturday 20 May.

Carol will have leaflets to hand out and be there to answer questions.

If there’s a positive to come out of her son-in-law’s death Carol said, “David was an organ donor.”

“He’s changed five lives for the better.”

If you or anyone you know is struggling, beyondblue says reaching out and connecting with them and showing that you care can make a huge difference in their life.

For more information go to www.beyondblue.org.au.

 

By Margie TIERNEY