SAN ANTONIO – Officials have confirmed the body found in a Northwest Side field is that of 19-year-old Camila Olmos.
She disappeared on Christmas Eve. Her body was found near her home at Burnin Bush Landscape Company off Farm-to-Market 1560. A gun was recovered nearby, and the Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.
The teen’s tragic death has highlighted the need for mental health support during the holidays.
Doug Beach the executive director of NAMI says depression can get worse this time of year.
“The holidays are a time when people often feel a little bit of stress if things aren’t going well,” Beach said. “We’re supposed to feel joyful and everything around us says we’re supposed to feel good. But what if you don’t?”
Beach says suicide rates for teens have increased across the country.
“The vast majority of the time when someone dies by suicide their family and friends say they had no idea,” Beach said.
Beach wants Camila’s family to know it’s important for them not to blame themselves during their time of loss. People who are suffering often appear as if nothing is wrong. In other cases, he says there are signs your loved one may be crying out for help.
“Isolating form family and friends, increased use of substances,” Beach said. “Sometimes excessive risk taking. What you’re looking for is real changes in behavior.”
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Beach encourages anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health concerns to contact the NAMI Warm Line at 210-939-9999 where operators are available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. In emergency situations please call 9-1-1.