Kate Spade hung herself yesterday, on a scarf tied to a doorknob, in her apartment.
She was 55.
She left behind a 13 year old daughter. I am just so shocked and saddened by this news today.
If you’re not familiar with Kate, she is – was – a handbag designer amongst other things. A sparkling, successful, entrepreneurial star in her field.
As the story develops we may find out more as to her reasons why – why someone so seemingly ‘happy’ would feel so desperate that she would end her life. She left a note.
But what I want to say to you all, to my lovely readers and anyone at all who may care to listen is:
Depression doesn’t care about standing or wealth, about following or success. It cares nothing for age, background, race or religion.
It takes whomever it pleases.
It is not always obvious.
Be aware, look for signs. Smiles and social media mean nothing, they can all be a facade.
Look for lack of response to messages or calls, retreat from social events, erratic addictive behaviours – anything at all that raises a hair on the back of your neck. It can be subtle but we all owe it to each other to try and see the warning signs.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more so. I say this a lot, I know – but really it can’t be said enough.
We are all in this together.
RIP wonderful Kate, you have made a mark on this weary world, I am sad that you could not stay with us any longer.
You will be missed.
#depressionkills
#suicideawareness
