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Sunday, 23 November 2008

Newsreader suffered from depression

3/11/2007 7:43:00 PM.  | 

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Details are starting to emerge about Channel Ten newsreader Charmaine Dragun’s last hours.

Ms Dragun was found last night at the base of The Gap, a notorious sheer cliff in Sydney's east.

The incident occurred shortly before 4pm Friday (AEDT) and police have described her death as non-suspicious.

Friends confirm Ms Dragun, a long term sufferer of depression, recently changed medication, leaving her displaying changed and often ‘unpredictable’ behavior.

A colleague has told Livenews.com.au, Charmaine sent a text message to one of her closest friends warning of what she was about to do”.

The colleague said “the friend called the police who were already on their way to The Gap”.

The contents of the message are unknown.

Ten News reporters have been asked not to talk publicly about Charmaine, out of respect for her family, but several have told of the presenter being an upbeat person, very down to earth, and someone who "appeared to be carefree".

Ms Dragun was the co-host of the network’s Perth 5pm news, she also regularly filled in for Sandra Sully on the national Late Night News.

She had a long term boyfriend, Simon, who she had known since the pair was at school.

He had moved from Perth to be with her in Sydney.

Network Ten chief executive Grant Blackley says the death has left the network in a state of shock.

In a condolence statement Mr Blackley said Charmaine Dragun is a highly intelligent, vibrant and caring person, universally liked and admired by her colleagues.

Mr Blackley said the network's deepest sympathies go to her partner Simon and her family.

Police say a report is being prepared for the coroner.

COMMENTS

Saturday, 03 November 2007

I find it very strange why Charmaine Dragun would want to end up at the base of the gap. We dont know if she had a serious mental illness or she was on a cocktail of illegal drugs. She may have had depression she was able to hide very well or people dont look out for the warning signs. I find reading news informative but obviously news is not enough to prevent you from jumping off a cliff without a bungee jump rope on your leg.

Posted by: Mark James, Sydney

Saturday, 03 November 2007

Don't speculate on something you know nothing about it totally disrespectful to Charmaine's family and the people who were close to her. Also don't assume it was mental illness that was the reason for Charmaine to take her own life. Not all people who take their own life have a mental illness or depression. This is another way of putting stigma on mental illness which is done by ill informed people who should keep their comments to themselves. Let the truth and facts come out.

Posted by: Vicki Mainard, Ballarat

 

Saturday, 03 November 2007

She was so beautiful and this is so tragic. Suicide is aweful.

Posted by: Rowan Miller, Alice Springs

 

Saturday, 03 November 2007

There's got to be more to this than meets the eye.What drove Charmaine to take her life.The story suggests she sent an SMS message to a "close" friend, yet the police were already on their way. It also mentioned that her childhood sweetheart, had just moved to Sydney.Was Charmaine having an affair? Did they have an argument.

Posted by: Paul Whelan, Wyong

Saturday, 03 November 2007

So what's wrong with a close friend contacting police as soon as you suspect they're in danger? Wouldn't you?

Posted by: Mark McCarroll, Lane Cove

 

Saturday, 03 November 2007

I agree Vicki. Don't say things that put things in the minds of others. NO-ONE knows what really happened but Charmaine. NOBODY else may EVER really know.

Posted by: Deb Garold, Tassie

 

Saturday, 03 November 2007

No one knows what happened to this beautiful lady except the authorities and her family, and what ever it was that caused her death, I hope she may now rest in peace. Her partner and family don't need people speculating and making comments that cause more pain for them. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Posted by: Ali S, Gosford

 

Saturday, 03 November 2007

I agree with Vicki, why speculate? Someone has passed away tragically and people choose to fuel gossip and rumour? That is exactly right to say that depression and suicide shouldn't be perceived as connected, it stigmatises mental illness as directly correlated with suicide which just isn't true. No wonder depression sufferers don't admit their situation, they would be fearful of judgemental people speculating if they were suicidal. Keep judgements to yourself.

Posted by: Katrina Ryan, perth

 

Saturday, 03 November 2007

this young lady's tragedy is a reminder to us all that yes, the world is ugly and in decay, and precious people like her have the task of telling all of us everyday the hideous and indescribable stories called NEWS!!!I often wonder how these journos unload after a foul crime-riddled day...we are all sad...Charmaine was indeed a rising star...love and prayers to her family and colleagues at channel 10,particularly in the newsroom. ' '

Posted by: catie halliday, sydney

 

Sunday, 04 November 2007

Cheers to Vicki Mainard! Some of the comments thus far are appalling and show a great ignorance and lack of compassion for Charmaine and people suffering from mental illness in general. Thus far it sounds like a tragic loss of a beautiful, intelligent young woman and I feel for her family and close friends. Regardless of the circumstances - her family must be suffering enormously - have some basic human kindness people!

Posted by: David Miller, Civic

 

Sunday, 04 November 2007

I am also a long term sufferer of depression. I spent most of yesterday on the phone to Lifeline, desperately trying to keep alive. Mental Health will not provide me services because they deem my depression to be caused "chronic life stressors". I can't see a psychiatrist because no psychiatrists bulk-bill anymore. I can't do basic daily chores, let alone work but I cannot get a carer - and Centrelinkrefuses a pension saying I can't give evidence that I will be depressed in 2yrs time.

Posted by: Nicole Hutchinson, Brisbane

 

Sunday, 04 November 2007

The truth will out. In the meantime, I'm ignoring the speculation. I do believe there is more to this than initially meets the eye. Either way, I think it's equally disgraceful that Channel 10 were not permitted to air news of Charmaine's death and that its employees are now being gagged "out of respect for the family". There is no respect in silence. Death is nothing to be ashamed of: it signals a life to be celebrated.

Posted by: Keren Ann, Perth

Saturday, 10 November 2007

The shattering effect on Charmaine's loved-ones & work-mates is where my sympathy lies. I'm disturbed that she had seemingly many supports but wouldn't call someone for help. If she had not been in her right mind she wouldn't have sent an SMS. As a depression sufferer, I find suicide to be the most selfish action anyone can take! It takes more courage to stay alive and fight. Research on suicide is more important than belated flowery sentiment! "Suicides" should not be put on a pedestal!

Posted by: Paxton Corbett, Gold Coast

 

Monday, 05 November 2007

Charmaine, may your heart be healed of its pain, --may you find peace, only you know why, may Charmaine that your memory lives on & is never forgotten. To Charmaines' family, may you all find solace, somewhere.....I can only imagine.....

Posted by: vicki thornton, sydney

 

Tuesday, 06 November 2007

I am so saddened by the news of Charmaine's death. I never met Charmaine but I feel that I have lost a friend. I hope she's found peace and that her partner, family and friends will some day learn to accept her choice and realise that there was nothing they could have done to prevent it.

Posted by: Jenny Dowling, Maylands

 

Tuesday, 06 November 2007

This tragic event got my attention as it was caused by depression. I am here to say I have suffered from being on an antidpressent. She recently switched medication. In my case the medication took my ability to think clearly. Your thoughts change so often you loose focus. I was tired all the time and foolishly I got in to a car one night with the garage closed. I was not trying to kill myself, I was just sad. Through the medication I lost my ability to function. That could be what happened here.

Posted by: Sharon Jonesan, Florida

 

Wednesday, 07 November 2007

This is typical of hows gossip and propaganda shows (commonly known as news) discriminate between people with status and those without. If it were anybody else they have no hesitation of digging down and revealing the dirt to splash all over the tabloids and tv screens. Yes this is a tragedy, but cut all the bulls--t of how she was such a special person and inform the public of the growing danger that is depression. Ignoring it and focusing only on the good, will ensure suicides will continue.

Posted by: ant groves, perth

 

Sunday, 20 July 2008

im a male 31 suffering from depression she was and still is such a great person only those who have depression can understand it your health suffers you cant sleep and feeling down each day isnt good you can hide it but but at times the feelings of despair is intense. i wish that she finds peace at last and her family dont blame themselves. she did try to fight it

Posted by: joe sant, quakershill

 
 

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