The sad and untimely passing this week of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef and media personality Anthony Bourdain at the hands of suicide has shared with the public consciousness the tragic reality that has impacted many of the members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State (NAMI-NYS) and the one in four families affected by mental illness. The fact that Ms. Spade and Mr. Bourdain were both at the top of their respective industries does not make their losses any more important than the 3000 people who complete suicide every day, as the sad reality is that each and every one of these lives lost is a tragedy, not just because any one of those could have been the next great fashion designer or revolutionary chef, but because each one was someone's child, sibling, spouse or friend.

 

What their deaths do demonstrate is that mental illness and suicide do not discriminate; it can happen to anyone no matter the race, gender, celebrity or economic status. The heartbreak that many of Ms. Spade and Mr. Bourdain's legions of admirers are experiencing is a fraction of the emotions felt when losing a friend or a loved one. This unique pain has been felt by many of our members. One of the most inspiring things that we see every day at NAMI-NYS is how people use this pain to help others. It is incredible how people who have been through some of the most devastating and traumatic experiences imaginable are mobilized by this pain and use it as a catalyst to guide their communities to find help and find hope. To those who admired Ms. Spade and Mr. Bourdain, we hope that you can use the pain you feel this week and mold it as a tool to bring change and hope to those around you.

 

While the suicide statistics in America are daunting, and it is one of the few causes of death in the United States that is on the rise, we cannot let ourselves be overwhelmed into inaction. We must all play a role in preventing suicide. In an America that is becoming increasingly divided, it is crucial that we focus more on what unites us than divides us. One unifying factor is that every one of us will face mental health challenges at some point and the unfortunate truth is that there are not enough mental health services available. This means we all must take it upon ourselves to be there for each other, we must dedicate ourselves to being better family members, better friends, better neighbors and better co-workers. If you see people struggling, be there for them, ask if they are ok and let them know that you are here for them and that you will listen. We also need people to join us in appealing for increased and improved mental health services in all parts of New York State. As we constantly say at NAMI-NYS "Hope Starts With You."   

 

NAMI-NYS is the state chapter of NAMI, the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to educating and supporting both individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Across New York State, our local affiliates are providing NAMI Signature programs designed to provide education and support for individuals and families. All of our education classes and support programs are offered at no cost to members of the public, as it is central to our mission that economic issues do not present a barrier to recovery. 

In the Capital Region, NAMI-NYS offers presentations for schools, workplaces and faith-based institutions. On September 29th, NAMI-NYS will be holding our third-annual NAMIWalk in Albany to raise awareness about mental health issues in order to destigmatize mental health issues and make the discussion about mental health a part of the everyday conversation. You can learn more about the work NAMI-NYS does by visiting www.naminys.org . We encourage people to join us in being a part of the solution and creating a more mentally healthy New York State