The research on GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is frightening. It is considered highly
addictive. The greatest immediate risk is death from overdose, but even
regular low dose use has devastating side effects, including
unrelenting anxiety, depression and insomnia.
In Orange County, where nearly 68 miles of track snake through
neighborhoods from San Clemente to Anaheim – and where 58 people killed
themselves on train tracks from 2002 to 2012 – the rate of suicides by
train is slightly higher.
And where the train runs from the San Diego County line to Dana
Point, where there are few fences and many pedestrians, the deaths are
clustered. Since 1986, at least 19 people – including Bill Brotherton
Jr. – have died on that 6-mile stretch of track.
When your loved ones talk about depression, you should take them
seriously. Depression is a disease, it's not something that just goes
away on its own. It's not an easy road because of the stigma attached to
mental illness, but encourage them to get help. People suffering from
these diseases need help and the resources to get them there -- without
feeling afraid. Just like you can walk into urgent care when you're
sick, you should be able to walk into a health institution to get help.
No one should be ashamed because it's not a choice -- just like cancer
isn't a choice.
