The family of professional golfer Grayson Murray has confirmed that he committed suicide. The news shocked the sports world. Murray, 30, died Saturday, a day after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. “We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son has passed away,” his parents said in a statement Sunday. “It’s surreal that we have to admit this to not only ourselves, but to the world. It’s a nightmare.” Rene Cherowitz is a licensed mental health counselor. Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, but she says it’s always something to talk about. “It’s important to know the signs and symptoms, and the different mental health situations a person can be in,” she says. “Signs of depression come in all different degrees, including not being able to get out of bed, not being motivated, having trouble keeping appointments, being confused. This is one extreme, but the other extreme is being in a constant state of hyper-vigilance.” According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 49,000 Americans dying by suicide in 2022. Cherowitz says some people use drug addiction and substance abuse to hide their pain. She stresses the importance of checking in on loved ones and asking if they’re OK without judging. She also suggests reaching out to family, friends and licensed mental health professionals. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope. There are people who can help. One of the most important steps is making that first phone call to get the help you need,” Cherowitz said. People in crisis can call, text or chat anonymously to the National Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline at 988. It is available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
Professional golfer Grayson Murray’s family confirmed he had committed suicide, news that has shocked the sports world.
Murray, 30, died on Saturday, a day after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” his parents said in a statement Sunday. “It feels surreal to have to admit this not only to ourselves but to the world. It’s a nightmare.”
Renee Cherowitz is a licensed mental health counselor, and even though Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, she says this issue should always be discussed.
“It’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms and the different mental states a person can be in,” she says. “Signs of depression can range in severity from not being able to get out of bed, lack of motivation, difficulty keeping appointments, confusion, etc. This is one extreme, but the other extreme is feeling hyper-vigilant all the time.”
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 49,000 Americans dying by suicide in 2022.
Cherowitz says some people turn to substance abuse or addiction to mask their pain, and she stresses the importance of checking in on loved ones and asking if they’re OK without judging them.
She also suggests talking to a family member, friend or a licensed mental health professional.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope. There are people who can help. One of the most important steps is making that first call to get the help you need,” Cherowitz said.
People in crisis can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline on 988 anonymously by phone, text or chat.
Available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
