This week, fashion visionary Kate Spade died in an apparent suicide. This tragic news has devastated not only Spade’s family and friends, but the fashion community and the country as a whole. Many close to her, including her own husband Andy Spade, were stunned that she took her own life. Though Mr. Spade revealed that Kate was struggling with depression, he said that there was “no indication and no warning that she would do this. It was a complete shock.”
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
Mental wellness is so important and everyday people are quietly suffering. It’s up to us to look out for one another to prevent more tragedies such as this from happening. We can do this by educating ourselves. So, let’s take a moment to take a look at the state of mental health within our families and in our country.
Depression and Suicide Facts
Depression and suicide rates are growing epidemics that we must address.
- An estimated 4.4 percent of the world’s population is struggling with depression.
- The suicide rates for adolescent boys and girls have been steadily rising since 2007, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- More than 90 percent of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition.
- An estimated 18-22 veterans commit suicide each day.
We have created an environment of shame and fear when it comes to depression. There are consequences to keeping our mental struggles silent and on the back burner. We are losing tremendous human potential along with the tremendous suffering that mental illness creates within ourselves, our families and in society.
Know the Suicide Warning Signs
According to the Jason Foundation, the warning signs of suicide include:
- Talking about suicide
- Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- A deepening depression
- Preoccupation with death
- Taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior
- Out of character behavior
- A loss of interest in the things one cares about
- Visiting or calling people one cares about
- Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order
- Giving prized possessions away
Education and Advocacy
Learning how to help others can change your own life, the life of those you love and many others. Get more information at any of the links below.
Another good resource is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Remembering Kate Spade’s colorful life and career:https://t.co/xmzTKjNjaO pic.twitter.com/3SPGxSqpWB
— Forbes (@Forbes) June 7, 2018