Ella Elizabeth Thomas was a beautiful, brilliant, and beloved young woman who died by suicide on January 23, 2018, at the age of 24. She suffered from depression, PTSD, and anxiety after being sexually assaulted in college, according to her family. She was the older sister and best friend of Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers.
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The Impact of Sexual Assault on Mental Health
Ella was a sophomore at the University of Arkansas when she was sexually assaulted by someone she knew, her mother, Martha Thomas, said. The trauma of the assault affected her deeply, and she struggled with flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks. She also felt shame, guilt, and anger, and blamed herself for what happened.
She sought professional help, but did not find the right therapist or medication that worked for her, her mother said. She also did not report the assault to the police or the university, fearing that she would not be believed or supported. She felt alone and hopeless, and tried to cope by drinking and using drugs.
Ella’s mental health deteriorated over the years, and she became more isolated from her family and friends. She moved to Coppell, Texas, where she lived alone in an apartment. She had a job as a marketing coordinator, but she often called in sick or missed deadlines. She also had trouble sleeping, eating, and taking care of herself.
The Warning Signs of Suicide
On the day of her death, Ella sent a text message to her brother, Solomon, saying that she loved him and that he was her hero. She also called her parents and told them that she loved them. She then went to a friend’s apartment, where she shot herself with a gun that she had bought a few days earlier.
Her family was shocked and devastated by her death, and wondered if they could have done anything to prevent it. They realized that Ella had shown some warning signs of suicide, such as talking about being a burden to others, withdrawing from social activities, sleeping too little or too much, and giving away her belongings. They also learned that she had attempted suicide before, but had not told them.
They wished they had known more about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, and how to help someone who is suicidal. They also wished that Ella had reached out to them or to a crisis hotline, or that someone had intervened to stop her from harming herself.
The Campaign for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
After Ella’s death, Solomon Thomas decided to speak out about his sister’s suicide and raise awareness about the dangers of depression and mental health issues. He joined the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, which benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and raised more than $27,000 for the cause. He also shared his story with the media and on social media, hoping to inspire others to seek help and to support those who are struggling.
He said that he wanted to change the culture of how people are supposed to feel or act, and to break the stigma and silence around mental health and suicide. He said that it is OK to be sad, to not be perfect, and to ask for help. He also said that he wanted to honor his sister’s memory and legacy, and to keep her spirit alive.
Solomon Thomas received support from his teammates, coaches, and fans, who praised him for his courage and compassion. He also received messages from people who said that his story had helped them or their loved ones. He said that he was grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, and that he hoped to save lives and prevent other families from experiencing the pain that he and his family had gone through.
Conclusion
Ella Elizabeth Thomas cause of death was a tragic loss that shook her family and the football community. Her brother, Solomon Thomas, turned his grief into action, and started a campaign for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. He urged people to be more open and compassionate about mental health issues, and to seek help and support when needed. He also honored his sister’s life and legacy, and kept her spirit alive.
