Pleasant Hill Woman Fights to Spare Others Her Pain

For almost nine years, Janis Doughty has devoted herself to reliving, recounting and remembering the worst day of her life. On Oct. 26, 2004, Doughty's 18-year-old daughter, Amanda, committed suicide by shooting herself with her brother's handgun. 

The tragedy launched Doughty into volunteer work for the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The Pleasant Hill woman's passionate advocacy on behalf of the mentally ill is profiled in the Contra Costa Times. 

Doughty speaks frequently on the subject of suicide and mental illness. She is particularly adamant in reminding her audiences that diseases of the mind are as real as diabetes and cancer. It's stigmatizing words like "crazy" and "psycho" that make the sick ashamed and less willing to seek treatment, she says. 

Here is more information about seeking help for severe depression and suicidal thoughts in Contra Costa County.