Robin Williams, comedian and actor, was found dead on August 11th in his California home after a long battle with depression.
Nirvana member and musician Kurt Cobain took his own life at the age of 27 with a 20-gauge shotgun.
Fashion icon and business woman Kate Spade was found dead in her New York City apartment Tuesday morning by an apparent suicide hanging with her own scarf.
Fame and fortune are no match for anxiety and depression.
Spade created handbags, jewelry, and clothing that included bright colors and cheerful idioms. Her work focused on empowering women and creating a sense of happiness and sophistication. She is survived by her husband Andy Spade and her thirteen-year-old daughter Frances Beatrix Spade.
Celebrities have expressed their sorrow on Twitter including Chelsea Clinton and Bethenny Frankel. Kenneth Cole posted about Spade saying ""I believed that I could, so I did". She alone didn't change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory. #KateSpade #RIP"
While Spade's death comes as a shock to many, suicide is not an uncommon occurrence. 105 Americans die by suicide every day. But, mental health and suicide only seem to be seriously talked about on a large scale when it's a celebrity who takes their life.
Since 1999, U.S. suicide rates have been on the rise. In 2014, 13 people out of every 100,000 took their own lives compared to 10.5 people in 1999. These numbers have increased for both men and women and among every age between 10 and 75 years old. Suicide is currently the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
Suicide numbers have increased since 1999.The Washington Post
The media has seen an increased number of characters with mental illness, creating representation for those also suffering to an already wide audiance. But, controversial TV shows like Thirteen Reasons Why which are praised by some for bringing attention to these important issues, they can also normalize suicide, bullying, and rape.
Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention believes we as a nation are not doing enough to positively combat suicide as we have with other leading causes of death. While billions of dollars are put towards researching diseases such as cancer every year, not nearly enough is going towards supporting mental health.
Mental health affects all of us, regardless if you are a celebrity or not. One in five American struggled with mental health issues i 2014 while one in ten young adults were affected. Of adults with diagnosable mental illnesses, only 44% get the treatment they need due to the lack of funding and the stigmas that surround mental health issues.
Robin William's death came as a shock to many because of his comedy background. His job was to make others laugh and fans will remember him for his lighthearted roles in movies like Mrs. Doubtfire and Hook. But, behind his smile and cheery persona, he was suffering from depression. Similarly, Kate Spades positive messages and colorful style covered up the pain and suffering she was feeling.
Kate Spade has more than 140 retail shops in the United States.Southern Living
Unfortunately, deaths like Spade's will continue to happen and suicide numbers will continue to rise unless a change is made regarding how seriously we take them mental health of ourselves and others.
Spade's tragic death proves - once again - that the happiness and cheerfulness that people wear on the outside may not be an accurate reflection of whats on the inside. It is a reminder to take mental health seriously and to value your loved ones every day.
