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.



Thinking of Carly Henley on what would have been her 33rd birthday

 


I can't imagine the feeling and realization that Carly's family members must have at those moments when they pause and wonder if they are slowly forgetting many of the small elements of the person they lost nearly 13 years ago.

All of the things that must've seemed unique and interesting at first, and eventually "normal" enough so that the observers didn't so often take notice...  which were the same things that were missed most soon after the tragic loss of Carly Henley.  

Now, those little things have been absent from immediate surroundings for nearly 13 years, and all involved have lived their own full lives for that long.  They attempted, with great determination,  to commit such tiny uniquenesses to permanent memory only to find that time has failed their good intentions.

I wish I could piece together the ideal, or ideal-sounding statement or phrase to present to anyone considering taking their own life.  One could only hope that the image of Carly Henley and that of the life which she left could somehow "jar" those considering suicide into recognizing:  "this girl had nearly all that most of us ever hope for, and from that she molded herself into somebody who really was special... and if even she found reason to leave all of that and her loving family behind, then maybe the whole thought process is flawed".

In an ideal world, those people suddenly smacked with Carly Henley's image as preserved online, might then dial up someone to talk to...  someone toward whom to express at least a signifcant part of what is troubling them right now.  That small release could easily mean the difference between a suicide attempt and a more sensible approach toward breaking down their current challenges and addressing them one by one.

So long after Carly's death, her music is still here at this link

https://thecarlyhenleyproject.bandcamp.com/album/love-the-skin-youre-in


for you to listen as you mark another July 30th, Carly Henley's birthday.




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