Alli Skrbek captured a joyful moment on video, showing her son, Alex Fornerod, playfully interacting with his younger brothers during Christmas. Tragically, this was only four months before Alex died by suicide at age 22. The video, shared on TikTok in June after his death, highlights the importance of recognizing mental health struggles.
In her posts, Alli emphasizes the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues, as well as help for grieving families. She reflects on her son’s changing behavior, noting that he seemed different after moving back home four years ago. Alli shared that his anger and agitation often masked deeper issues, leaving her unaware of his struggles with depression.
Experts in mental health note that many individuals silently deal with depression, making it vital for parents to have open conversations about emotions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young adults, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
On March 30, just before his death, Alex texted his mom, expressing gratitude and love. The next day, Alli received the devastating news. She wishes she could have recognized the signs earlier, stating, “Had I known that would be the last time I’d hug my son, there are so many things I would change.”
Since sharing Alex’s story, Alli has received support from many online, including heartfelt messages and even a song written in Alex’s honor. Her mission is clear: to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Every day, people struggle with their mental health. If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Alli’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the support that families need while navigating such tragic losses. For more on mental health and resources, you can visit 988lifeline.org.
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Alli Skrbek, Alex Fornerod, Alli Skrbek Alex Fornerod, Alli Skrbek Alli Skrbek, younger brothers