[Sheelagh]

I’m with all those who have thanked Maravilla for her sensitive article on this sad event, and with the plea not to ‘shoot the messenger’. Like a rolling stone, the story has gathered moss, and some unfortunate and self-righteous judgments. Doubly sad.

To conclude the lady had depression and go on to debate what action could / should have been taken and how if people are counseled about not running away from their problems, somehow suicides might be prevented. The British expression ‘motherhood and apple pie’ comes to mind – cosy things so easily said, but life’s not quite as easy as that.

Having worked in mental health, I can cite two facts. Attempted suicides are usually a cry for help, but people who really want to commit suicide will do so, by whatever means. An accessible gun served the purpose for Nancy. Yes she may have had a clinical depression, but she may also have had a neurosis or other disorder, or no definable mental illness at all. Perhaps hard to believe, but some people do make lucid decision that the problems in their life exceed their coping strategies or their desire to continue living; they can’t see a way out, the way out is too hard, or they’ve just fought too many battles before and can’t take any more.

My sympathies go to those who have been directly affected by this tragedy; people who now need help in different ways to deal with their personal feelings and sorrow – and perhaps even anger, for that is often generated by suicide. I hope they are lucky enough to have good friends and family to lend this support, or are able to access professional services if they need them. Sadly, its too late for Nancy; life failed her somewhere along the line. May she now be spared our judgments and may her soul rest in peace.

Sheelagh

[Sheelagh]

Hi Cheryl

Scott has forwarded your message to see if we can help you – being Brits who moved here nearly three years ago. We came as ‘pensionados’ (though early ones!)and had to sign that we would not take up employment here i.e. jobs that would otherwise be occupied by a Tican. We had ambiguous information from the Costa Rican Embassy in London about many aspects of immigration so I can only repeat Scott’s advice re getting good legal advice. Alternatively, look on the British Embassy in Costa Rica site to see if they have any advisory notices?
Our B&B is featured in the article ‘two Brits escape the rat race ‘ – do go into my website and write to me on that e mail if I can be of any further help.

Best wishes, Sheelagh Richards

Added By Scott:

You can see the video interview we did with Sheelagh and her husband at [ https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/1807.cfm ]

Their ‘Retired in Costa Rica – British couple abandon the ‘rat race’ and start a small B&B in San Isidro’ article is at: [ https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/1943.cfm ] and their B&B website is at: [ http://casaceltas.com/ ]

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