Did Depression Kill Andrew Koenig?

After days of searching, a friend found the body of Growing Pains sitcom star, Andrew Koenig in Stanley Park in Vancouver on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at midday. He immediately called Andrew's father, Walter Koenig ("Chekov" of the original Star Trek television series) who had travelled to Canada to aid in the search. Walter's wife, Judy, said in a news conference that her son did not realize how much he was loved and how much he had to contribute to the world.

Andrew was 41 years old and had not been seen since February 14^th in a Vancouver bakery. According to the Daily News, he had gone to Canada to visit friends after clearing out his apartment in Venice Beach. Having arrived in Canada, Andrew had mailed a letter to his father, which, according to Walter, gave evidence he was clinically depressed. The letter had arrived February 16^th, most likely too late for anyone to intervene.

Did depression kill Andrew Koenig? Depression.com reports that while men are at a lower risk from depression than women, they also are less likely to seek help. They are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women who are depressed.

"My son took his own life," said a distraught Walter. "He was obviously in a lot of pain."

There are several causes of depression including trauma, stress, medical conditions, anxiety disorders and genetics. It is not simply a state of mind but an actual physical change in the brain, the imbalance of neurotransmitters or chemicals in the brain. According to his parents, Andrew had quit taking his medication for depression a year ago.

Unfortunately, it's too late for Andrew, but as his father urges others with suicidal tendencies, "Before you make that final decision, check it out, talk to somebody." If you or someone you know is depressed and appears suicidal, call your local suicide hotline or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). According to WebMD, warning signs of suicide with depression include a sudden change in mood, obsession with death, deep sadness, losing interest in things one used to be interested in, talking about suicide, calling or visiting loved ones. If diagnosed with depression, there is no 'instant' cure. Your physician may have you try several different medications to determine which one is best for you.

TMZ reports a police spokesperson, because of the sensitivity of the situation, would not release the cause of Andrew Koenig's death.