11-year-old girl kills herself due to 5-months long depression caused by a fight with her friend

Nelly Pelaez unexpectedly committed suicide early in November after battling depression caused after a fight with a friend a few months earlier.

Kathleen Pelaez, 43, the mother of Nelly spoke out about the death of her daughter with the hope of raising awareness about childhood depression. The 11-year-old took her life while at home in Los Angeles, California, after a five-month depression.

Nelly's first #GrandBethel! pic.twitter.com/3Nimq10NiJ

— Kathleen Pelaez (@tralalamama) June 24, 2016

After the unexpected loss Kathleen said:

“It was completely unexpected because she had been doing so much better. She became this warm and loving girl again.”

It all started after Nelly came back early from summer camp after she had a fallout with a friend. After returning home she blocked the girl on social media, but the otherwise ‘bright and brilliant’ girl soon showed the effects the argument had on her, as she became solemn and depressed.

Read more on our Twitter account @amomama_usa.

Nelly Pelaez seen in happier times before she committed suicide https://t.co/QUWQAXf5ZX

— MailOnline Video (@MailOnlineVideo) November 19, 2018

In the time that lead up to her suicide, Nelly attended sessions with both a therapist and psychiatrist, while she even signed a document in which she agreed not to self-harm. The devastated mum said:

“She had an appointment with a neuropsychiatrist scheduled for November 8, which she, of course, didn't get to have.”

Kathleen discovered Nelly’s body around 5:55 am, a few days before her 12th birthday on November 5 in her bedroom. Her partner, Randall Hammond, 41, heard her screams and rushed into the room and called 911.

Please donate now to the Nelly Pelaez Memorial Fund https://t.co/wWukRllNj8

My family is going through a lot and we need all the support we can get. Please donate your money to this fund and help my family give my cousin a proper goodbye. Thanks everyone.

— Mr.ScaryPasta (Confused) (@FearDemon1996) November 8, 2018

Distraught, Kathleen ran and got scissors to cut down her daughter, and started with CPR as the 911 operator advised. After the arrival of the paramedics, she wasn’t allowed back into the room.

The paramedics came out a few minutes later and said that she had passed. The Pelaez family set up a fund in Nelly’s memory to help pay for the memorial service held on November 9, but more importantly, to raise awareness about depression in children.

Girls night out to see #FindingDory pic.twitter.com/1tcMgiq4A4

— Kathleen Pelaez (@tralalamama) June 18, 2016

Over $20,000 from 400 donors have already been raised and will go towards community resources to help with suicide intervention. Still in shock Kathleen said:

“We don't realize; we don't believe that a child this age would make this choice and so we don't have the conversation. 'I just want to put every resource I can towards helping a child that thinks that this is their only option, or that this is the best option.”

People that would like to donate to the Nelly Pelaez Memorial Fund can do so through the GoFundMe page.

My baby. Gone far too soon. I’m raising money for Nelly Pelaez Memorial Fund. Click to Donate: https://t.co/dCMsyLfrpQ via @gofundme

— Kathleen Pelaez (@tralalamama) November 7, 2018

Looking out for certain red flags can help distinguish between the average teen or childhood hormonal and emotional ups and downs.

When negative feelings or behaviors last more than two weeks, pay attention to the reason. Days and even weeks can be acceptable, months, however, are not.

Just read about 11 year old Nelly Pelaez who committed suicide recently because of her 5 month long depression. This is real life, if you see people withdrawing from things, struggling to sleep and getting into 'dark moods' you should recognize that and act accordingly.

— 🗡 Justin 🗡 (@40oz_ynrg) November 19, 2018

Loss of enjoyment with previously favored activities can be another sign that something is amiss, especially when it's not replaced by anything besides lethargy and apathy.

A lack in motivation to go to school, fatigue, restlessness and a markable increase in irritability or impatience are sure signs that matters are not what they should be.

Look out Visalia! #GrandBethelCA pic.twitter.com/TNR3N7HL2K

— Kathleen Pelaez (@tralalamama) June 23, 2016

Other signs like loss of weight and appetite, social isolation and the expression of stress and an inability to cope all point in the direction that something is wrong.

If you think that your child may be suffering from depression, it is pertinent to find professional help.

On November 14, Jess Brown almost lost her ten-year-old girl Lilly-Jo after she attempted suicide by overdosing on pills. It was the day before her 11th birthday. Lilly-Jo had become depressed after she started school at Witton Middle School, Droitwich, in September.

In a few months Lilly-Jo got bullied to the point where she did not want to live anymore, she hardly ate, she got lethargic and felt sad most of the time. Mum Jess was aware of the bullying and went to the school frequently to address and sort out the issue, but the bullying never stopped.

While at the hospital, Jess said:

“My daughter is fighting for her life because of bullying. We will not be sending her back to the school; it’s not worth the risk. The doctor said if we had left her two more weeks, she would be dead. I’m not going to bury my child.”

Shockingly, there is a rise in child suicide, often those feeling depressed are not forthcoming about their situation and could lead to them feeling that their only way out is to leave this world and their deep-felt sorrows behind. Intervention before that point is reached by paying close attention and knowing what to look for can save a child’s life.