Note: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Your life matters.
American fashion designer Kate Spade’s death by suicide shocked the world and sparked a major discussion on seeking help, providing support, and recognizing the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal ideation. Her husband, Andy Spade, told CNN News that she was seeking help for anxiety and depression; he was completely shocked by this news, as he stated that he spoke with her the night before and she sounded happy. Kate Spade’s death was another traumatic incident that proves depression and suicidal ideation can affect anyone – no matter your race, origin, class, success, education, and more.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly 45,000 lives were lost in 2016 alone; suicide has been listed as one of the top leading causes of death in the United States, making this a huge cause for concern. People Magazine claims that David Spade, Kate Spade’s brother-in-law, has recently decided to honor her by donating $100,000 to help those struggling with mental illness. He stated, “More people suffer from mental health issues than we realize but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support.”
If you have a mental illness and it’s drastically affected your ability to live your life, seek help immediately. Treatment is available, and may include medication as well as therapy to give you the tools you need to better manage your symptoms. If you are a loved one of someone with a mental illness, recognize the warning sides of suicidal ideation:
- Writing about or talking about death, experiencing “too much pain”, or no longer being able to move on in the world
- Withdrawing from friends, family, social events and other life activities
- Increasing substance abuse
- Engaging in self-harm
- Becoming easily agitated or aggressive
Reach out to those you love and care about. Tell them that you support them, and provide them with resources if they need it. You never know – you could save their life.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
