People are going to spend a lot of time in the next few days and weeks talking about Alexander McQueen. He died yesterday at the age of 40. He committed suicide. What people will be talking about is what a genius he was with fashion. There will be discussions as to why he was loved so much by the fashion world and discussions about how much people didn't like his designs. You either love his fashion or hate it. They will talk about the stars that he dressed, Sara Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga, to name a few, and discuss how sad they must be now that he is gone. People will muse as to who, if anyone, can replace him on the runways of Paris and Milan. They will all wax poetic about his talent and his contribution to the fashion world.
They may be saying all these wonderful things about him, but they will be ignoring the proverbial Elephant In The Room. Suicide.
Mr. McQueen didn't have a terminal illness. He wasn't killed in a plane crash. He took his own life. As sad and selfish as that is, it's the one thing that many fashionistas will ignore when commenting on his legacy. Suicide not only affects the person that kills themselves but it affects everyone associated with that person. From the best friend to the guy that says "Good Morning" to you every dat on your way to work, they will all be affected if you die. You may think you are alone, but you aren't. There is help.
Some people are embarrassed to talk about depression. They refuse to seek help because they don't know where to get it, or don't know how to get it. Here is ONE step in the right direction go to the The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website or call 1-800-273-TALK
Suicide is a major, preventable public health problem. In 2006, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 33,300 deaths. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.
If you are feeling depressed or know someone who is, seek help. Call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. Don't become another statistic...because when all is said and done that's just what will happen.
For Bob S., Sean T. and Adam Y. You all are missed more than you ever could have imagined.
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