Teenage depression

The tragic death of 16 year- old Michelle Lomas from an overdose of drugs was re- ported last weekend. Michelle had shot to stardom in the Oil of Ulay adverts and appeared to have a glittering future as a model. Another recent news item was the marriage of Lena Zavaroni, who is now 27. Many will remember her as the powerfully-voiced, bright-eyed 12 year-old who burst onto the national stage. Her future seemed assured but her late teenage life was characterised by anorexia nervosa. She became dangerously thin through lack of food intake but with much support, has gradually conquered her problems. These two cases received widespread publicity but are these problems confined to the show business world? There is no doubt that fame creates potential instability.

© Morecambe Guardian, 13 October 1989