Celebrities who Committed Suicide

Understand the Link Between Depression and Suicide

How shocked the nation, and the world, is when we hear of  celebrity suicides. As a country, we have come to look up to the people who make a name for themselves. They may have excelled as an actor, musician, artist, athlete, or public figure.

Yet who knows the pain that may lie just beneath the surface of these famous people? Often, it is not known until after their death that the person who took their own life was deeply troubled.

How shocking it was in 2018 when the famous suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were lost within a month of each other. Both of these acclaimed people seemed to have it all. It taught us that how we perceive each other is sometimes completely wrong.

This is the lasting message that is so important to understand. As suicide rates continue to rise, we all need to become better informed about depression.

Depression and Suicide

In the U.S., rates of suicide have risen to the highest levels since the 80s, according to a study  by the NCHS.  In 2019 48,344 Americans took their own lives, compared with 29,199 in 1999.

Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death. An average of 132 Americans die by suicide daily. Also, increases among teens and young adults have tripled in some groups within this age bracket. In fact, the CDC reports a 30% increase in suicide among young people aged 10-34. This makes suicide the 2nd leading cause of death in this group.

In some cases, there may be suicide-warning signs. A loved one may be in need of mental health help, such as admission to a mental health facility. In fact, 4 out of 5 teens that attempt suicide had given clear warning signs.

If someone you know becomes very depressed and withdraws from work and family, it could be a warning sign. Also, if a loved one has been dealing with a severe health or financial setbacks, this too could be cause for concern. If someone comments that his or her family would be better off without them, it is time to step in.

Know the Signs of MDD

Depression does not usually appear without warning. In many cases, the symptoms may start off as vague. As time goes on, the person’s low mood begins to cause impairment. In essence, major depressive disorder (MDD) does not resolve like a bout of the blues.

Symptoms of MDD include:

• Feelings of sadness or despair. Feels hopeless.
• Loss of interest in daily life.
• Fatigue, lack of energy.
• Slowed motor movements and thinking.
• Has trouble making decisions.
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss due to change in eating habits.
• Sleep problems.
• Feelings of guilt or shame.
• Thoughts of suicide.

When a cluster of these symptoms persists for more than two weeks it is time to seek help.

Treatment for Depression

For decades now, the treatment for depression has relied on a blend of therapy and antidepressants. Within those two treatment methods exist many options. There is a wide choice of therapies from which a therapist can select. Also, there are about 30 different kinds of antidepressants on the market. Depression treatment takes some time and patience. Treatment can take months to feel the full effect.

Holistic actions can also improve the symptoms of depression. These methods add to the other treatments by helping to manage mental illness and stress levels. Some holistic activities that can assist in the treatment of depression include:

• Working out, walking, running, swimming.
• Healthy diet.
• Mindfulness.
• Yoga.
• Massage
• Essential oils
• Art therapy
• Acupuncture