The deaths by suicide of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and world-famous fashion designer Kate Spade in 2018 surprised many. How could people so successful and at the top of their careers die in such a way?
“It’s a myth that wealth and fame protects people from suicide,” says Jonathan Singer, PhD, LCSW, an expert on suicide prevention, and professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.
“One of the common factors among people who die by suicide is a sense of loneliness and not belonging,” Singer says. “And we know that when people get famous they often feel they are not loved and respected for who they are, but rather because they are famous.”
In fact, Singer says, Bourdain and Spade were in groups that having higher-risk of death by suicide. They were both middle age and had a history of depression or addiction.
Singer offered these tips to people who think that a loved one may be contemplating suicide:
- Tell them they are important to you.
- If appropriate, tell the person you love them.
- Tell the person you want to listen to them.
- Ask how you can help.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the person whether they are having thoughts of suicide.
- It matters how we talk about suicide.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Get Help
-
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
- The Trevor Project for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7/365 from anywhere in the United States. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
13 Sentences That Could Save a Life
from @socworkpodcast
- I believe in you.
- I’m proud of you.
- I’m thinking of you.
- I love you.
- I knew you could do it.
- I hear you.
- I’m listening.
- Tell me more.
- Are you okay?
- How do you feel about it?
- Can I sit by you.
- Do you need help?
- Hi.
Learn more: Let’s Talk About Suicide: #LanguageMatters – The New Social Worker
