Not lucky enough to have owned the Kate Spade handbag but I sure know what depression feels like…

Earlier today the news emerged that  designer Kate Spade had taken her own life, leaving a 13 year old daughter and husband.

A child has lost a mother, a husband has lost a wife, irrespective of their marital problems.

Suicide is a choice they say.. But is it?

People that die of suicide will not be thinking straight at their time of death, their mental illnesses cause them to reach that point.

It is evident she was not in a happy place because she would not have ended her life and left a teenage child without a mother.

No matter what she wrote on her suicide note, the reasons are never going to be explanation enough to her family and those closest to her.

There are so many questions left unasked and unanswered. There will be so many stories that will emerge, some sympathetic, some; not so much.

No one knows what she was feeling during her last days for her to end her life the way she did.

One does not simply choose to die as though they are deciding what to make for dinner… “err, actually, I think I will die now”.

There are so many factors that cause someone to sink to a certain low, feel worthless and no matter how much they try, they feel that they are better off dead.

People who are affected by mental health disorders are more likely to commit suicide. Sometimes it is known before a persons death but sometimes it is known after.

Depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are the most common mental health disorders that contribute to suicide.

When a person is  so overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and worthlessness they often think that they have no other option and start contemplating suicide.

It is hard to know how someone is feeling but there are usually tell tale signs that can indicate that they are depressed or have suicidal tendencies for instance ;

• Avoiding social situations.
• Feeling hopeless and helpless.
• Exhibiting feelings of strong anger or rage.
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes.
• Abusing drugs or alcohol and self harming.
• Exhibiting changes in personality.
• Constant talk or writing about death or suicide.

It is important to watch out for theses signs and take action to enable someone to get the help that they need and possibly prevent a tragic suicide attempt or death.

The stigma surrounding mental health and suicide makes them taboo subjects to talk about. Most people that have suicidal thoughts do not want to burden anyone with their problems so they do not reach out for fear of being judged and accused of attention seeking.

Staying silent isn’t being strong, speaking out is. Let’s stop the stigma!

Rest in peace Kate Spade

 

Photos by Pexels, Getty Images

Sources :healthline.org, www.suicide.org, www.thesamaritans.org