Jigsaw Psychology Training

I’m seeing a lot of well-intentioned but misinformed comments about Kate Spade’s (heartbreaking) death. Things like, “if only she’d known how many women she’d inspired and how beloved she was.” Or “it really goes to show that success doesn’t buy happiness.” Here’s why this thinking is misguided:

Even though science has proven it a million times over, our culture doesn’t yet fully recognize that MENTAL ILLNESS IS A BRAIN DISEASE, just like hepatitis is a liver disease. Depression (and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and everything else) affects our brain— the organ we use to make decisions. If you’re suffering from suicidal depression, it doesn’t matter how beloved you are or how much you love your family or how much money you have, because your brain is telling you that despite all those things, su***de is your only option. (Or that you need to isolate yourself, sleep all day, or other behavior that a healthy brain would recognize as bad decisions.)

This is one reason mental illness is so deadly: the part of our body that’s affected is the same part that’s responsible for our behavior. It’s like if you broke your leg and then had to use that leg to walk to the hospital.

The other reason mental illness is so deadly: shame and stigma around seeking help. Reports are saying Kate resisted inpatient treatment because she worried about the effect it would have on her “happy” brand image. Depression is an ILLNESS. It’s not weakness. It’s not your fault. And it’s impossible to think or reason your way out of it without help, due the part of your body that’s ill.

If you are suffering, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The National Su***de Hotline number is 800-273-8255. Call them. They are great. I know, because I’ve called. Or text TALK to 741-741 if you prefer texting. The world is a better place with you in it. ***deprevention

PS: This was written before the devastating news broke about Anthony Bourdain. And all the non-celebrity su***de deaths that didn't make the news this week. Talking about mental health is so important. Changing our perception will save lives.

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