April 21, 1999
Web posted at: 10:25 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- In the wake of the Columbine school shooting, children and adults around the world are in shock and asking how such violence could happen. Why such violence run amok? Were the gunmen intent on killing themselves?

Bev Cobain has been a registered nurse since 1976. She is an accredited psychiatric/mental health nurse who works with depressed, suicidal and dually diagnosed patients ages 13 and over.

Her passion for helping others stems from her own family conflicts and history. She grew up in Aberdeen, Washington, as the eldest of five children. She struggled with sexual abuse, panic disorder, alcoholism, addiction to prescription drugs, major depression and a wish to die. These painful experiences became doorways to discovering her passions for art and healing. As a result of three suicides in her family during the past 20 years, Bev became determined to help others heal, especially young people.

In 1994, her cousin -- rock star Kurt Cobain ended his struggle with depression and drugs by taking his own life. This book is her way of making sense of his death by reaching out to teens who are sad, discouraged or depressed.

She says her book, "When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens" will help young people and their parents recognize and understand depression, it's effects and treatment. Throughout the two-part book are personal stories from teens who have dealt with depression. Bev has coupled these inspiring stories from teens with life-saving survival tips and resources.