Since news of Charlotte Dawson’s death broke on Saturday, her friends, family and many fans have been coming to terms with the tragedy of her suicide. Fond memories of Charlotte have been shared on social media, while a memorial is being planned for her farewell.
Dawson had long battled depression and was hospitalised in 2012 after hundreds of social media trolls ferociously attacked her on Twitter. She was released after spending two days under observation at St Vincent’s Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre and went on to speak publicly about the traumatic experience.
After the incident, Dawson became a great advocate for anti-bullying policies, and was vocal in her disdain for cyber bullying and her support for those suffering from depression. Since the news of her death, a new petition has been raised on change.org for ‘Charlotte’s Law’ a new policy for greater consequences for vicious cyber bullies. The petition already has more than 15,000 signatures.
Charlotte Dawson had spoken to journalist Jo Casamento about the demons she was facing around the time of her death, and her difficult battle with depression.
“To me it was well over 10 years ago, but truthfully this marriage broke me to the core,” she said. “It destroyed me to the point I had to go overseas for five years and rebuild my life from scratch. It left me in a ball for many years. I’ve had to block it out as it is just way too painful for me to think about. My entire being was broken and that was the beginning of the end for me.
“The marriage started my depression and I was fired from all my jobs. It was the downslide.”
“I will always have to manage my depression in the best way I possibly can, it’s not easy to beat, and it is a daily battle for me but I surround myself with good people and I try and be as healthy as I can and take good care.”
A close family friend of Charlotte Dawson’s has said that there will likely be a private cremation in Sydney this later week and dual memorial services, one in Sydney and one in her native New Zealand.
Some of the many messages of love and support for Charlotte Dawson are featured in the gallery below.
For support and information about suicide prevention, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and visit suicidepreventionaust.org to find out how you can help those suffering from depression
Image: Zimbio
