07/31/2024
WHAT HAPPENED TO LEXI? Lexis Sierra Schantz, “Lexi” born July 31, 1990, by all accounts was a happy and remarkably healthy young woman. She had many friends, did well in school and had an attractive personality and appearance (people commented that she reminded them of the actress Natalie Portman). Lexi was raised with liberal Jewish values, i.e., the importance of a good education, tolerance for the differences of others and help those in need.
Lexi packed more into her 20 years of life than many people do in 80 years. She scanned the horizon from the top of a Mayan pyramid, marveled at ice sculptures carved into the belly of a glacier and went to high school in Argentina her junior year.
It was not until her second year in college at UGA that her life began to go off-track. An unfortunate set of circumstances, including the tragic deaths of two close friends and physical and emotional abuse from a boyfriend, triggered a mental breakdown.
Lexi was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder. This form of mental illness has manic symptoms that can be so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Bipolar 1 Disorder is a chronic condition that is characterized by exacerbations and remissions.
People with Bipolar who have responded well to treatment may lead “normal”, productive lives. Unfortunately, many people do not respond well, or go untreated. Many of these people self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, live dependent on others, or are among the homeless people living on the periphery of society.
People who live with bipolar disorder at an increased risk of su***de compared to the general population. As many as 20% of people with bipolar disorder, especially when untreated, die by su***de. A larger percentage, around 20% to 60%, attempt su***de at least once during their life.
Lexi was not one of the fortunate ones. Despite receiving both traditional and alternative psychiatric healthcare she could not bear the person that she had become. She went from being a vibrant, creative, confident woman to a self-loathing, insecure, isolated gal who had lost all hope of a future that could worth living.
Her life ended by her own hand on Memorial Day 2011. She left a note saying how much she loved us, thanked us for the life she had and that we should not blame ourselves. She was merely trying to find peace for herself, and this was the only way she knew how.
Su***de is like poison ivy. It leaves a mark on everyone it touches. After her death I have had to deal with panic attacks and depression. I have made good use of the resources available. Counseling, therapy, medicine, and support groups, staying in closer touch with family and friends. It all helps.
I know this story is a parent’s worst nightmare. It is sad and unpleasant to read. I am sharing it because we must recognize that mental illness and su***de are not shameful lapses in moral character, they are brain disorders. I welcome any of you who are struggling with these types of problems to speak with me. It can be helpful to talk with someone who has gone through similar situations. I am not an expert, just a parent who is doing their best to navigate the road ahead.
You can reach me by voice or text - (678) 643-3090.
TOLL-FREE SU***DE & CRISISLIFELINE CALL-TEXT-CHAT 988
State and Community Organizations
o NAMI – Georgia (770) 234-0855
o Mental Health Association of Georgia (404) 527-7175
o AFSP (American Foundation for Su***de Prevention) – Georgia (770) 843-3836
o Behavioral Health Link (404) 420-3202
o Su***de Prevention Action Network, Georgia (SPAN-GA)
