Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain High-Profile Celebrity Suicides Send Shock waves
Suicide claimed the lives of iconic fashion designer Kate Spade on June 5 and acclaimed celebrity chef and famed TV host Anthony Bourdain on June 8. Both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain reportedly suffered from depression. Their deaths have raised an alarm about mental health. I will not speculate around the circumstances of their deaths.
Celebrity suicides shock us into reality. However, the reality is suicide rates are increasing. It’s just that celebrity suicides get more coverage and are more public.
Everyday regular people are dying from suicide. In Canada there is an average of 10 suicides per day and as many as 100 suicide attempts which is approximately 5,800 suicides per year. This number up from recent years. In the US the numbers are jaw-dropping. On average, there are 123 suicides per day. There has been a 30%, increase in suicides and mental illness is sited as one of the largest contributors.
The suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain highlight grim reality of mental illness
Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It affects everyone regardless of race, gender, celebrity or socio-economic status. No one is immune to it or safe from it. Suicide is real. The reality is too many people are suffering in silence. More needs to be done, not just for celebrities like Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, but for all who suffer and who are in that place where they feel suicide is the only way out.
Here’s What We Can Takeaway from the Suicide Deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain
The high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain is a big wake up call for all of us. The world is in crisis. People are in crisis. We need to reach out to those that we know are suffering as well as those who on surface everything seems fine, but inside they are suffering in silence. They are the one’s who’s pain is invisible.
We are All At Risk
If you’re dealing with difficult circumstances, or feeling particularly vulnerable, or struggling with mental health issues or illness or suffering a loss, relationship problems, divorce, breakup, substance misuse, physical health issues, chronic pain or disability or job or financial problems, debt, or a recent crisis – REACH OUT. So if you see someone hurting and needs help be there for them. Be a shoulder for them to lean on, an ear to listen, a friendly presence in their life.
Together We Can Help Each Other
There is nothing to be embarrassed about. We are human, and we hurt. You are not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get help. Reaching out for help is an act of strength. Your life matters. You were put on this earth for a reason. Your gifts are needed in the world. You are important, and you matter. Here's the thing, your feelings matter, your voice matters and your story also matters. Suicide isn’t the answer.
So, if you or someone you know is struggling reach out. Each one of us is in a position to help. Never has it been more true than now that we are each others keeper. There's no fast and easy cure for suicide but we can do something to prevent it.
Feel like you need help and want to speak with someone?
If you or someone you know is struggling and having thoughts about suicide right now, please call the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention at 204-784-4073 or contact a local crisis centre or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. In the US call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741. STAY STRONG. Your life counts!
