In October, a 45-year-old Porter Ranch resident, Karthik Rajaram, killed his wife, mother-in-law and three sons before taking his own life. In a letter to police, he blamed economic hardship.
Shortly afterward, a Pasadena woman, Wanda Dunn, 53, set her house on fire and then apparently shot herself in the head. She was due to be evicted that day after experiencing financial setbacks.
"The most important thing is to ask for help," said Ken Kondo, a spokesman for the L.A. County Department of Mental Health. "Not everyone can do that."
Like the Hirsch center, he said, the county's crisis hotline -- (800) 854-7771 -- is seeing a surge in calls from "everyday people" dealing with the fallout of an economy on the ropes.
Almost every counseling service in the region is experiencing an increase in clients. The parking lot was full this week when I visited the Southern California Counseling Center in West L.A.
Gail Wilburn, executive director of the center, said a growing number of people -- including working-class folk and out-of-work actors -- have been stopping by for help in coping with the sour economy. At peak hours, she said, every room and office in the two-story building is used for counseling sessions.
On Jan. 5, the center will launch a support group for people dealing with issues related to the recession. The group is being formed in conjunction with Jewish Vocational Service, a nonprofit organization that assists people with work problems.
"It says something that we've never done something like this before -- ever," Wilburn said. "We're seeing a lot more people coming here for discussions about the economy, rather than 'I love my boyfriend, but he doesn't love me.' "
Robert Mendelsohn, the center's clinical director, agreed that the economy has come to overshadow virtually all conversations with clients.
He cited the case of an unmarried couple that first came for help about a year ago. At the time, they had relationship issues common to many couples, and Mendelsohn said the pair gradually showed improvement.
"Now they're back," he said. "She's lost her job and he's drinking more. They don't know what to do."
Mental health professionals say there are a number of warning signs for depression to watch for in yourself or loved ones:
* Irritability or a tendency to engage in arguments.
* Withdrawal from ordinary activities or hobbies.
* Forgetfulness, sleeplessness or trouble concentrating.
