I'm So Happy, I'm Gonna Kill Myself

Apparently these days suicidal people are not always down in the dumps before they end their lives. This surprising fact is evident in the recent death of a 27-year-old Wisconsin news anchor at an ABC affiliate who died by suicide four days ago. Everyone who knew Neena Pacholke said she was the most upbeat person they knew! Following are some quotes from people close to her:

Her sister: "She was by far the happiest person I thought I knew. She was loved by everybody. She was so good at her job. She just radiated love and positivity."

Her boss: "She loved this community and the people who lived here. She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile."

Her co-anchor: "The brightest light in the room, the biggest smile and the funniest laugh."

Besides being quite beautiful and talented, the happy young woman described by everyone as a selfless saint who lived to help others was also engaged to be married. (You can't make this stuff up.)

It's hard to believe there was not one person in this woman's life perceptive enough or caring enough to notice she was deeply troubled. If that's true, then overt happiness and personal fulfillment are, in today's crazy world, clear signs of distress and mental illness. Better take a closer look at someone you know who seems to "have it all" -- they could be dead by morning.

Or else, make time for a friend, happy or not, who wants to talk.