BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Recent events in Bexar County have deeply affected families throughout South Texas. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos has tragically died by suicide.
Community leader Christian Bove felt the weight of this news. He has faced a similar loss himself—his brother Hector died by suicide over five years ago. “It turns your life upside down,” Bove reflected. “My family hasn’t been the same since.”
This heartbreaking loss has fueled Bove’s commitment to suicide prevention. His thoughts are now with the Olmos and Mendoza families. “Every loss is hard, but losing someone to suicide hits differently. It brings back all those memories, and you can’t help but think about what might have changed,” he shared, visibly emotional.
Bove emphasizes that these losses are not the families’ faults. “We had no idea about the struggles Hector was facing,” he said. “We did our best, but we missed the signs.”
As someone who works to raise awareness, Bove encourages open conversations about mental health. “Ask direct questions. Don’t shy away from saying, ‘Are you thinking about hurting yourself? Have you considered suicide?’ A lot of people worry that asking these questions will make things worse. Research shows that’s simply not true.”
Experts agree. Julia Hewitt, board chair of the South Texas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), highlights the importance of listening without judgment. She believes that most people just need to feel heard and loved during tough times. “When someone is in crisis, it’s crucial to let them know you’re there for them, no matter what,” she advised.
The statistics are alarming. In Bexar County, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people. “While it’s not as high as other age groups, it’s rising fast,” Hewitt noted. The increase in suicide rates among teens is worrying, and research aims to understand the underlying issues better.
One critical finding is that firearms are often involved in suicides. That’s why the AFSP emphasizes safe storage practices for guns. Their website offers guidance on keeping firearms away from those in crisis.
If you suspect someone is struggling, knowing the warning signs can be key. The 988 lifeline offers support for both individuals in crisis and their loved ones. They provide guidance in difficult conversations and help connect people with the right services.
As Bove and Hewitt have shown, addressing mental health openly can save lives. It helps remove the stigma, fostering an environment where people feel safe discussing their feelings.
You can find valuable resources at the AFSP’s website and learn more about helping those in crisis. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight, and support is just a call or text away.
For more information about suicide prevention, visit AFSP’s resource page or call the 988 lifeline.
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Mental Health,Suicide Awareness,Suicide Prevention,Camila Mendoza Olmos,Suicide,Bexar County
