Kristoff St. John shares news of son’s suicide
While families around the nation gathered in love to celebrate the holiday season, one family revealed a tragic loss.
Kristoff St. John, best known for his role on “The Young and the Restless” revealed that his son, Julian, committed suicide on Nov. 23, just days before Thanksgiving.
Julian, 24, reportedly suffered from schizophrenia and bouts of severe depression since childhood. St. John and his ex-wife, Mia, described Julian as the “light” of their lives.
On Thanksgiving, St. John tweeted a subtle nod to his late son saying …
Even the most glorious sonrise, bursting with light, love, and life, must finally set… From here to eternity. Happy Thanksgiving Family
— Kristoff St John (@kristoffstjohn1) November 27, 2014
Julian, a talented artist and painter, would have turned 25 on Dec. 5. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
In 2014, several stars reportedly suffering with a mental illness took their own lives. Robin Williams, Simone Battle and L’Wren Scott are among the famous people we lost this year.
According to the CDC, in 2010, suicide became the 10th leading cause of death for Americans and the third leading cause of death among males between ages 15 and 24; with the black male suicide rate being five times higher than that of black females.
Suicide risk factors for Blacks include family conflict, hopelessness and discrimination. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center reports that suicide triggers include breakups, problems at work and financial hardship.
Are you paying attention to the signs? –ruu hawkins/@ruubabie
