Dearest Friends,

I am writing to let you know that a friend and fellow RSD member
died last Saturday night. Stacy Johansson (aka, Blue Angel) was
diagnosed with RSD in 2004 and was suffering with severe chronic
pain. With the pain often comes depression and loneliness that
sometimes cannot be overcome. And that is what happened to Stacy. I
was told by her Aunt that it became too much for her and she ended
her life. I know these feelings first hand as does anyone who has
had to live with chronic pain.

I started these groups to help those that live each day with pain
and although we try to be here for everyone, sometimes one falls
through the cracks and is lost to us. Suicide is a very real problem
with those that have chronic pain 24/7. Depression is a very real
problem that we face everyday because it is hard for those around us
to understand what is happening in our lives.

Sometimes friends and family desert us because they cannot help or
face what we are going through. And that can leave us with
loneliness, depression, and often times thoughts of suicide. That is
a real issue and though we may not want to face it sometimes, it
does happen.

I am asking all of those that have chronic pain and are feeling
depressed, to please talk to someone. Tell them how you are feeling
and let them be there for you. Suicide is very real with people with
chronic pain. So please talk to someone and tell them how you are
feeling, don't let it build up inside.

Sincerely,
Charlena