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.



Remembering Carly Henley on the 35th anniversary of her birth

 

Anyone who pauses to imagine (Carly Henley at age 35) from almost 15 years after her sad passing must challenge themselves to recognize that Carly could have taken just one of the unlimited life paths which always seemed open to her.

It is way too easy, and perhaps pointless, to recall that when she was last taking her own steps, there were surely scores of possible directions that her life might have gone. The then-value of all of those was substantial, but even such lofty worth would have settled, as it does for every one of us, with the eventual selection of just one path.

One path, maybe one mate, maybe children, maybe not. One primary residence, one primary occupation, perhaps music-related. Ideally still singing, still writing music...

Those trying to tame their image of would-be 2025 Carly Henley may not know an easier task after considering that Carly's younger sister is now a doctor, following in their father's footsteps.

And what about that younger sister? - how much extra was demanded of her after Carly's untimely death? Maybe the adjusted focused helped the sister to achieve, but maybe it molded the sister's path in other ways to which most of us cannot relate.

Fifteen years since the last time Carly Henley celebrated a birthday, and the precious weeks thereafter were filled with highs and lows. Who can know for sure just how low Carly perceived some of those lows to be. We do know, just from witnessing human interaction, that there really is always someone near enough, and willing enough to help the good people when they need help the most.

Approximately no one would have shunned Carly Henley had she felt strong enough to reach out.


Remembering Carly on what would have been her 35th birthday - July 30, 2025


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