I learned of the death of college student Carly Henley two days after her passing, on October 6, 2010. In the days soon to follow it became clear that scores and scores of people were wounded to the core by the loss. Wonderful evidence around the internet serves to almost suspend Carly Henley's personable allure, her impressive musical talent, and a short life the likes of which most anybody could envy.

Various reports tell of her short term struggle with depression of perhaps three months in duration. Significant in that was the introduction of anti-depressant drug Zoloft via prescription some two weeks before Carly took her own life.

Not lost on me now, finally, is the wording in the "Black Box Warning" with Zoloft, which states that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in persons younger than 25. Risk is especially heightened during the first two months of taking anti-depressants.

The labels on anti-depressant drugs in the U.S. were altered to reference young adults aged 18 to 24 just three years earlier - in 2007.

It is my belief, now, that Carly just happened to land among the small percentage of anti-depressant users who are susceptible to being so affected by a powerful drug such as Zoloft.

One need not ever have known such a remarkable woman to feel the pain all around at the loss of Carly Henley.


So many life lessons are so well represented by Carly Henley's compelling spirit. Let me see if I can help some to gain fuller appreciation for a woman who continues to inspire everyone who ever knew of her.



A dozen years have passed since Carly Henley took her life

     It seemed a good idea to listen to some music while considering this entry.  Of course Carly Henley's music  (for which you can still find the written lyrics here at this blog) was central to that, but it caused some reflection as to how much "music" by any definition Carly has missed since her passing.

    Consider as a mark in time, the unforgettable intrusion by Kan "Ye" West onto the awards stage as Taylor Swift was accepting an award there.  Realize that took place barely one year before Carly Henley's death.

    Consider, also, that among the ten "Billboard Hot 100" singles which have spent the most weeks all-time in the top five on that chart, Carly Henley only ever heard one of them.  Billboard's "Hot 100" has been ongoing since 1958!

    Among the ten singles which have spent the most weeks all-time among the top ten  on that list (again, since 1958), Carly Henley would've only ever heard one of them!  (all of the others were released since Carly's death twelve years ago today)

    Unique among the songs alluded to above was the title: "How do I Live", by LeAnn Rimes.

    In 2022 most of Carly Henley's old friends are making their way through adulthood as Carly herself is forever suspended in time as the YouTube presence she'd been as of the date of her death.  It's a strange collection of contrasts made more significant by each new musician, each new hit song, each new sports highlight and each new President to take office in the time since Carly's death.

    The unending challenges brought by Covid-19 have had a significant and negative impact on suicide statistics, and it is rare when we read in the mainstream media that suicide rates in any subset of the human race are improving.  Everyone has his or her own individual story and some of the sadness leading up toward the taking of ones own life is very significant by any standard.  Yet, perhaps for most victims of suicide, the individual troubles and challenges are such that most other humans envision themselves being able to overcome parallel challenges in their own worlds.  

    This corner still cannot fathom a more effective way to combat ones own suicidal thoughts than merely talking with another human - and boldly sharing deep personal honesty about the challenges and pains which are driving inner thoughts of ending life on earth.

    One need not even admit to the actual thoughts of suicide - merely to release the stresses of the problems/pains/concerns which have spawned suicidal thinking is such a great step in self-preservation. 

 

    Take the steps to do this for your own benefit... perhaps because you were Inspired By Carly Henley.

    

    

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