Berwick 17-year-old Estelle Ametoglou took her own life this month.By Bridget Cook
YOUNG, beautiful and bubbly – that’s how Estelle Ametoglou will be remembered by all those who knew her.
The 17-year-old Berwick teenager took her life last week the day before her 18th birthday.
Now her mother Susan does not want her daughter’s death to be in vain.
She has joined the Save a Life organisation which was founded by local teenager recently to help raise funds and awareness about suicide and depression.
“There needs to be more drug and depression awareness and education for these kids that it’s not the road they should be going down,” she said.
“These kids need to realise they are not invincible.
“If this even stops one person from taking their life then it would be successful.
“I would hate for someone to go through what we have had to go through.
“We have had to move our family out of the house because there are just too many memories.”
Ms Ametoglou said the first thing people needed to realise was that depression could strike anyone.
“People tend to categorise people who suffer from depression and anxiety,” she said.
“It can affect the rich or the poor, people from all walks of life.”
Ms Ametoglou said Estelle, affectionately known as Stell, was a beautiful person inside and out.
“She was beautiful, bubbly, had a fun personality and always just loved to socialise,” she said.
Ms Ametoglou said they recognised the signs with their daughter, but found it hard to seek help.
“We saw the signs of depression setting in,” she said. “She turned to drugs like most of them to numb the pain.
“If you have depression, talk to someone; don’t use drugs to hide the pain.”
Ms Ametoglou said what was hard for her family was getting the help they needed.
“The hard part is that these kids need to want to be helped,” she said.
“They lie and say they are fine and that’s where the problem lies.
“As a mother, I couldn’t have her committed to rehab. I didn’t have the power.
“You can’t force them.”
Ms Ametoglou said people needed to be aware of their loved ones and do anything they could to help before it’s too late.
“Look for personality changes and mood changes, from being happy people to completely angry and sad,” she said.
“Listen to your friends and what they are saying.
“Parents and children need to be educated on the signs.
“If your going through the rough time, ask for help, talk to your parents.
“There’s nothing that can’t be solved and there’s always an answer to your problems.”
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
