Kate Spade is Dead

Kate Spade was found dead in her apartment two days ago. She had committed suicide. I learned of her death at the end of my therapy appointment. As I was pulling up my calendar to schedule my next appointment, I saw a push message from Google News (I really should have those settings fixed).

I was stunned to see the news, but I was at the end of my appointment and continued with scheduling the next visit and left. I didn't learn of her suicide until that night, and this is what saddened me and scared me.

I would not know Kate Spade from John Doe if I had not recently listened to a podcast where she was interviewed regarding how she built her business and line of Kate Spade bags. I assure you that I have never owned a single Kate Spade bag...or any other designer bag...it's not my thing.

After listening to the podcast, I was not any more likely to purchase her products, but I was impressed by the way she took an idea and a need and through hard work, struggle and perseverance, turned it into a very successful business. I didn't know her personally nor did I follow her closely, but she was A-OK in my book of women entrepreneurs with a ton of courage.

So hearing that she struggled with depression and took her own life after so much professional success kicked me in the gut. I hate it when people die, but a suicide sends me spinning. I think it's the "there but for the grace of God" feeling that I get. I hurt deeply for the victim, because I know what it feels like to be in that place. I am also incredibly scared because I wonder what stopped me that didn't stop them. Why she and not me? What's to say that I wouldn't find myself in that exact place in the future? I hope not.