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Irvin Yalom: Son Victor died by suicide, family announces
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Irvin Yalom: Son Victor died by suicide, family announces

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Victor Yalom, son of renowned psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, died by suicide in February, his brother Ben confirmed.
  • The family announced his death with deep sadness, noting his struggles with mental illness despite recent creative and successful years.
  • The family encourages donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and asks loved ones to cherish each other.

Victor Yalom, the son of acclaimed psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom, died by suicide in February, according to an announcement from his brother, Ben Yalom. The family expressed profound grief over the loss, which they described as a significant blow to both their personal lives and the wider community familiar with Victor's work.

Initially, news of Victor's death circulated as unconfirmed reports, dismissed by some Greek media as fake news due to a lack of official statements. However, Ben Yalom's recent announcement has now confirmed both the death and the cause, providing clarity after a period of uncertainty. Victor Yalom was known not only as a psychotherapist but also as an entrepreneur, artist, and educator, recognized for his contributions to psychotherapy.net.

Ben Yalom's statement detailed that Victor had faced periods of mental illness throughout his life. Despite these challenges, his last thirty years were marked by significant creativity and success. Unfortunately, his illness resurfaced in the past year, ultimately leading to his death. The family emphasized that they "deeply miss him," highlighting his impact on both his personal and professional journey.

Victor Yalom was, in addition to being a psychotherapist, an entrepreneur, an artist, and an educator, and a person with a particular sense of humor. During his life, he faced periods of mental illness, however, his last thirty years were particularly creative and successful. Unfortunately, his illness reappeared in the last year, leading him to suicide in February.

— Ben YalomThe statement from Victor Yalom's brother confirming his death and circumstances.

In remembrance of Victor, the family has directed those wishing to honor him to a tribute website and encourages donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Their message accompanying the announcement is a poignant call to action: "Hug the people you love tightly."

Irvin Yalom, aged 95, recently co-authored a book with his son Ben, documenting Irvin's own battle with dementia.

Hug the people you love tightly.

— FamilyThe concluding message accompanying the family's announcement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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