We are deeply saddened by the death of Kate Spade.  Our thoughts are first and foremost with her family.  Her suicide is not only tragic, but also a profound reminder that we must end the stigma that surrounds mental illness. 

Conflicting stories in the news raise the question of whether Kate sought treatment for her depression.  What it comes down to is this:  Nobody should have to lose their life because they were hesitant to seek therapy.  It is heartbreaking that Kate Spade may have refused the lifeline of intensive treatment because of fear – fear about the effect on her public image. (Read more here.)

Her loss reminds us that silence and stigma are killers.  Untreated depression is the primary reason why someone takes their life in the US every fourteen minutes, well over 40,000 a year.  A shocking number, particularly with media awareness about depression on the rise.

Now more than ever, we must get the facts out about depression and create a culture in which depression can be discussed as openly as medical illness.  At HDRF, we are working every day to find the biological causes of suicide and new antidepressants. We are also committed to public education and discussion.

We hope you will help be an ambassador for HDRF’s mission by forwarding this message to your friends, colleagues and family.

Thank you for your support of HDRF’s mission to fund the research that can transform our understanding and treatment of this complex and shattering illness.