September is Suicide Awareness Month.
Tragically, suicide claims the lives of too many young people. To raise awareness, a Virginia Beach mother who lost her 15-year-old daughter is holding a community event.
Elaine Roberts has endured a devastating pain that no parent should have to go through.
Her daughter Kaila took her own life back in 2004.
“Before the depression got so bad, she was just a happy, bubbly, creative, fun, funny, wonderful young lady. She was a cheerleader at Great Neck Middle. She was a surfer, a poet and artist,” said Roberts.
Watch related coverage: Suicide among leading causes of death for US adults under age 45
Suicide among leading causes of death for US adults under age 45
Kaila was a freshman at Cox High School. Her mom said the teen was depressed and she would meet with her therapist to try and provide her with insight about Kaila’s behavior.
She said the teen’s drawings and poetry seemed dark.
“Looking back, Kaila should’ve been hospitalized then,” said Roberts.