Harlingen mom spreads suicide prevention awareness after losing son

2 days ago 84

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sonia Cordero remembered her son Eric James Sanchez, also known as E.J., on Monday, who passed away by suicide in August 2021.

"Him taking his life that was something we didn't expect at all," said Cordero. "Of course, you go back, and we think there were signs all along. We just didn't see it. He always joked and played tricks, so we never expected it."

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Texas, and that soars up to the second leading cause of death in Texas teens.

"It is out there, it is growing," said Brianna Quiroga, board member for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "I think we need to be able to talk about it more so that we can help and try to bring those numbers down."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says the following may be signs that your child is experiencing emotional distress:

Sudden increase in reckless behavior
Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
Isolating from family and friends
Extreme mood swings
Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy

"If you are concerned, a hey, how are you? Do you need to talk? Those things are recommended," said Quiroga.

As for adults, some of the warning signs include the following:

Talking about or making plans for suicide
Acting anxious or agitated
Behaving recklessly
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

Sonia said her daughter noticed something was going on with E. J. She added that it never gets easy to talk about it, but believes that by sharing her story, she is making a difference.

"Every day you hear of someone dying by suicide," said Cordero. "And, if we can reach one person, that is a lot."

E.J. was a father to two children and a brother to four siblings.

"I miss him every day. I wish he would have stayed. I wish he would have talked to me," said Cordero. "This is one of our last pictures, and I hope he is at peace, and I forgive him for doing it."

If you or someone you know needs help, the following resources are available: