No words could describe the disturbing death of Brandon Mateo at the tender age of 14. It is no parent’s wish to bury their children. Yet on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Brandon Mateo took his own life.
What circumstances surrounded Brandon Mateo’s death?
The exact cause of death has never been made public. The investigations report by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office was never released.
Are Brandon Mateo’s parents alive?
Brandon was survived by his parents, Robert and Shannon Mateo and his younger brother, Codi.
Who was Brandon Mateo?
Brandon was a student at Damonte Ranch High School. He was born on 1 August, 2005 in Reno NV. Just like any other normal child, he was kind, gracious, kind and playful. At 14 years, he stood 5”9 tall. He was a great swimmer and snowboarder.
Was Brandon Mateo sick?
At the age of 12, Brandon reached out for help. Most days he woke up moody and low. His family jumped in quickly and got him therapy and the prescribed medicines.
Brandon was diagnosed as being in depression. His mother claimed that mental health led to his breaking point, and at this juncture, Brandon couldn’t handle the depression any longer.
What is depression?
As per Wikipedia, “depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems”.
Depression can be caused by family history, illness and health issues, medication, drugs and alcohol and personality.
Were Brandon Mateo’s parents to blame for Brandon’s death?
Brandon’s mother, Shannon opened up saying, “ You believe in air even though you can’t see air, well, just cause you can’t see depression, doesn’t make it unreal.” She reiterated that when you tell children that depression is unreal, they feel flawed, broken and damaged.
Shannon claims that the necessary conversations are not happening particularly in classrooms.
Are Mental Health days recognised?
May is the Mental Health Awareness Month. In May 2020, the campaign led by the Sheriff of Washoe County, centred around the story of 14 year old Brandon Mateo.
During this month, suicide, depression and warning signs are discussed with the children.
What is The Suicide Memorial Wall about?
The Wall was created on 15th April 2001 to help remember people from all over the world whose death was self inflicted. Also to remind people that suicide is real.
