Remembering Kate Spade: Why We Can’t Take Talking About Suicide Lightly

The recent passing of fashion mogul Kate Spade has left shockwaves throughout the fashion industry and the world. Kate left a suicide note addressed to her daughter and her own sister believes she suffered from bipolar disorder. I pray for Kate Spade’s Family, friends, colleagues and anyone affected by her passing.
  No matter why Kate committed suicide or what mental health illness she was suffering from, we can’t take suicide lightly. I can remember in 1094 hearing my older brother say if you hang up this phone I’m going to kill myself to his ex-girlfriend at the time. I’m not saying Kate gave any indicators but for those close to her they might be questioning themselves about were there any signs prior that they ignored. The reality is perhaps there were signs but most people miss many of the ques that someone gives to why they want to die. The truth is warming signs exist but unless you dealt with someone who has been suicidal, you lost someone to suicide or you tried to commit suicide, you can miss the warning signs. Most people think hearing the words I want to die, I wish I was dead or I want to kill myself are the only signs a person gives leading up to someone trying to commit suicide. However, there are other signs of someone giving their belongings away, lack of interest in things they used to like and even changes in one’s appetite. Beyond those there are many more signs and factors such as sleeping too little or too much, increasing alcohol or drug usage and acting anxious, agitated or reckless. No matter the sign and what the person says to keep an eye on the person who you believe behavior and actions have changed. Majority of people who think about suicide really don’t want to end their life but want to end the suffering or pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal ideations want to end the darkness in their life. They want to see light again and think the only way for light to emerge is through ending their life. When one wants to live through darkness they really want someone to care for them. So as you read about Kate Spade’s passing look at your own life and those you care for. Don’t ignore the warning signs they might be giving. Help them live through the darkness and don’t give up on them no matter how hard it might be.     If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, here are ways to help: Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide-prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. No matter what problems you are dealing with, they want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, at anytime, 24/7. You can also visit You Matter, which promotes the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to young adults who may feel like they don’t matter or that they’re alone. It was created to help people know that they never have to take their lives.