Healthy Living: Suffering in silence, stop the stigma around mental illness following apparent suicide of WSU quarterback

The apparent suicide of WSU quarterback Tyler Hilinski is a shock to all who knew him. A young man, just 21-years-old, is someone who friends describe as outgoing and fun-loving.

Pullman Police found the young student-athlete in his apartment with what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  They say they also found a rifle next to Hilinski, along with a suicide note.

Head Coach of the WSU Cougars says Hilinski was an incredible young man, that everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it.  Hilinski has two brothers, both quarterbacks, just like him.  His younger brother Ryan is asking everyone to send their prayers to the family.

Tyler's death has sparked a much larger conversation about suicide and the stigma around mental illness. There are many who struggle in silence, but they don't have to. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

In a post on Instagram, former WSU quarterback and former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe had this to day about Hilinski's death and the stigma around mental illness.

Q13's Marni Hughes sat down with Dr. Sasha Waring from Swedish Behavioral Health to talk about mental health and support.