June 5, 2018
Today it was announced that Kate Spade was found dead in an apparent suicide.
This is so crazy to me because I was just talking to my friends last week about how there was a sale at the outlets on her bags and how popular and nice they are. It's things like this that you never expect to happen, but do.
To me, this is pure evidence that money isn't everything. Like Spade, you can be the founder of one of the best brands out here, be wealthy, have fame, and still go through tough, emotional/mental trials that are hard to survive.
This is why there needs to be more emphasis on the importance of mental health. Our minds are literally everything. They are what makes us who we are, control what we do, and how we respond to what comes at us in life. If our engine isn't running well, then we are doomed to crashing and burning.
If you are someone dealing with these issues, please seek help. You can't say that something is impossible to handle and overcome if you don't try. There are people who genuinely care about you in this world and are willing to help you. You are not alone. You are cared about. You matter. Your feelings are valid.
There IS hope for you and a life full of happiness and excitement on the other side. Do not miss out on it. The best feelings in life might not have been felt by you yet, but they are waiting for you.
If you're looking for help and don't want to have to speak on the phone:
crisistextline.org
Text CONNECT to 741741
If you don't mind speaking on the phone:
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-8255
BOTH OF THESE LINES ARE AVAILABLE 24/7
For those who aren't dealing with these issues, make it a point to not only ask those around you how they're doing, but how they're feeling.
"Spade's apparent suicide comes as suicide rates in the United States increased from 1999 to 2014 for everyone between the ages of 10 and 74, according to a 2016 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For white women, the suicide rate increased by 60% during that period, the study found" (The link to this CNN report https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/05/us/kate-spade-dead/index.html)
Suicide rates have risen, but we can individually fight for it's decline. The most important way to do this is to make time for others. The main way is in conversations: get down to the nitty gritty. Ask people about how they've felt emotionally, what their thoughts have been like, etc.
Let's stop keeping conversations about general things and make them more personal to avoid having people feeling like they're an island. Everyone's feelings matter and are valid, and we should all make it a point to make sure the people in our lives, even strangers, feel this way.
I'm not writing this as though this is the cure for all suicide, depression, and mental health issues. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to people's situations. But a huge step in the right direction is showing love through listening to what others have to say about themselves on emotional and mental levels.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Spade family, and for everyone dealing with these tough internal issues. I pray that love and peace would just wash over everyone dealing with these difficulties, because Lord knows they are not easy.
Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds"
No matter how deep, ugly, and incurable your wounds/difficulties may seem, it's nothing compared to God's powerful love and how He can turn your whole situation around.
Philippians 4:7 "God's supernatural peace surpasses natural understanding"
No matter how weird or impossible you might think it is, it's real. Give Him a chance to help you.