The Shock of Suicide

Kate Spade

The news of Kate Spade's suicide was shocking. She was a successful, creative, beautiful woman with everything to live for it seemed. But her sister said she was not surprised. She said Kate suffered from depression and anxiety, but would not seek hospitalization for fear the publicity would damage her fashion designer business. Her husband said she was the kindest, most loving woman he had ever known and although they were separated, they kept in touch every day. She also leaves a thirteen-year-old daughter.

It is unfortunate that there is still such a stigma attached to mental illness. It ought to be treated like every other illness with understanding and medical attention. People do not choose to be depressed or bipolar or schizophrenic, just as they do not choose to have cancer or other physical illnesses. With the advances in psychotherapy, most mental illnesses can be controlled through therapy or medication. Fear or shame should not keep one from getting treatment.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that in the U.S., 16 million adults had at least one major episode of depression in 2012. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Overall nationwide, the suicide rate rose by nearly 30 percent from 1999 to 2016.

Perhaps Spade's suicide will call more attention to the prevalence of mental illness and the need to seek treatment. Too many families have been devastated by the suicide of loved ones.