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Singer Charo Shares First Video Since Her Husband's Suicide

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Editor's Note

If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.

Spanish American entertainer Charo shared her first video on Wednesday, a month after her late husband of 40 years, Kjell Rasten, ended his life at age 78.

In the emotional video she thanks fans for their help, prayers and support. She also promises to continue performing because her husband was always supportive of her music.

“I want to share with you that I will continue for his legacy and the love that I have for entertaining that make people happy,” she says in the video.

A day after Rasten’s death, Charo posted to Instagram that her husband developed an illness called bullous pemphigoid, a rare and painful skin condition that causes large, fluid-filled blisters. Charo wrote his condition contributed to him becoming depressed.

Suicidal thoughts in folks struggling with chronic pain are more common than many typically realize. In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found that 10 percent of 100,000 plus suicide deaths occurred in people with chronic pain.

On Instagram, Charo shared a message to folks supporting a loved one with depression.

“Please, if anyone you know and love is suffering from depression or illness, hold them close,” she wrote on Instagram. “Tell them you love them with all your heart and that the world is better because they are in it. Get any help you can. Suicide is not the answer.”

 

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A post shared by Charo (@officialcharo) on

If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic illness and suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone, and there is help available. Visit our suicide prevention resources page to learn more. If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.

Image via Creative Commons/Castles, Capes & Clones

Originally published: March 21, 2019
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