We have all heard the saying “ everything that glitters is not gold.” We often find ourselves envying the extraordinary lives of the celebrities and influencers we see online and in social media. We’ve all seen it; the dream career, picture-perfect family and spouse, loads of money and we envy their “perfect” lives. So it’s easy to question, “Why would someone who ‘Has it all’, take their own life and throw it all away?” The truth is there’s more than what is shown to the public and what fans see. There’s hidden stories and pain behind every fabricated smile and ultimately the greenest grass is typically artificial. This past week two phenomenal beings, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain took their own lives and we’d like to shed a light on the topic of suicide and depression. A topic that so often gets shrugged under the rug.
Kate Spade
Remarkably known for her stylish and colorful purses, Kate Spade was an American Fashion Designer and businesswoman. She was a true #GirlBoss and inspired a large number of young adults seeking a career in the fashion industry. Her husband, Andy Spade, and herself founded their company in 1993. The brand later blew up and became a well-known name all around the world. On June 5th 2018, Kate Spade at the age of 55, was found dead by her housekeeper, leaving behind her daughter, husband and a fashion brand that will forever be admired. Andy Spade has officially spoken to the public on the situation. The two had been separated and living in separate homes for 10 months. He says Kate struggled with anxiety and depression but was going to the doctors and taking medication for it. And to his surprise the night before, Kate sounded happy the night before the incident. He described it as a “complete shock.”
Designer Kate Spade at an event with handbags of her own design on October 9, 1998, in New York.
Kate Spade, New York
Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain was a man of multiple talents. He was known for culinary skills as a chef, being an author, and traveling all around the world and taking us with him. His passion for educating others on world cuisines and cultures is something that will always be admired. He had multiple New York Times bestselling books and incredibly popular shows such as No Reservations and The Layover and his last show Parts Unknown. He faced his past and was honest with his previous battles by admitting to a history of drug abuse and overcoming that challenge. He was also an advocate of voicing against Sexual Harassment and was also known for shedding light on the beauty of unprivileged cultures around the world. The multiple honorary moments, his genuine and funny personality and humility are why he held a special place in the hearts around the world. On June 8, 2018, Bourdain at the age of 61 was found dead in Le Chambard Hotel in France, and the cause of death was suicide.
This goes to show that depression does not discriminate. Whether you are white, black, rich or poor, mental illnesses can affect just about anyone. According to the World Health Organization, 350 million people worldwide struggle with depression. According to Medical News Today, every 40 seconds someone commits suicide worldwide. Suicide, Depression, and Anxiety are serious and should not be taken lightly.
Signs of Depression:
Often times we ignore the signs of our close friends and loved ones that struggle with this illness.
- Trouble Concentrating
- Feelings of Worthlessness and Helplessness
- Trouble Sleeping
- Overeating or lack of eating.
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
- Tiredness
- Distancing from loved ones and events
And the list goes on. (Symptoms provided by WebMD.)
Ways to Help:
There are multiple ways to approach this situation. First and foremost are learning how to speak to someone who struggles with these illnesses. For example, it is super important to not make them feel like a burden but rather make them feel like they can rely on you and open up. Suggest help and remind them they are not alone. Suggest going out and doing things that make them happy.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE, HELP IS AVAILABLE!!!!!
SUICIDE HOTLINE 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
SUICIDEPREVENTIONLIFELINE.ORG
And there are online chats available on the website!
You are loved; you are special and your life matters.
Our hearts are with the families of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain and with the numerous families daily that struggle with the loss of a loved one due to this illness.
-Massiel Nunez, Journalist for TUC Magazine
