Kate Spade, who died at age 55, was a successful handbag designer and a loving mother to her daughter. Her husband had moved out ten months before her death, on a temporary break intended to help them work through resolving the problems in their marriage. Articles that have been written about Kate Spade following her suicide have reported that she had a history of anxiety and depression. Her friends were quoted saying that she probably never realized how loved she was or how much she touched the lives of other people. That is a reminder that we should always make sure to tell the people in our lives how much they mean to us, because they may not realize how much they are valued. Like Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain appeared to be living a successful and rewarding life. He died of suicide at age 61, within days of Kate Spade's death. He had traveled all over the world, inspiring people from all walks of life. He was an executive chef, a talented writer, and television celebrity. However, despite his success, it is reported that he struggled with depression, and formerly struggled with drug addiction. He had an 11 year old daughter, a girlfriend, and a previous wife from whom he was separated.
It appears that for the most part, both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain lived a life surrounded by friends and loved ones. They seemed to have had the kind of lives that many people envy. However, they were struggling with inner turmoil, which they seemed to have kept fairly private matters. It should be noted that there is no shame in opening up about one's struggles. There should be no stigma associated with mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc. By opening up to others about these challenges, it can bring much needed hope and support. For example, last night, my twelve year old son and I attended the Imagine Dragons concert. Not only was it an amazing show, but the lead vocalist Dan Reynolds took the opportunity to talk to the audience about his own battle with depression. He spoke about this prior to performing the hit song "Demons". I commend him for his goal of encouraging people to seek mental health services if they are struggling, and for being open about his own experiences. Reynolds talked about the stigma of mental health problems in society and how it is hurting us, especially our youth. He stated that there is nothing shameful about having depression or anxiety. He told the audience that he has a therapist, that he thinks everyone should have a therapist, and that needing help does not make someone weak or broken. He reminded the audience several times that they are not broken, that life is always worth living, and that things do get better.
The CDC reports that suicide in the U.S. has gone up by more than thirty percent between 1999 and 2016. Anxiety and depression are the leading mental health problems with which people struggle, and both have been associated with a risk for suicide. Similarly, things like substance abuse, social isolation, financial difficulties, and relationship issues are all factors that can impact someone's ability to cope. If you struggle with anxiety or depression, please contact a professional who can help you learn strategies to fight back against the storm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please text "home" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, go to the website suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).