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Kate Spade's death serves as reminder that mental illness doesn't discriminate

According to the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people die by suicide each year
Becca Clarkson
yourlifematters
Yarn bombing on 10th Avenue and Guelph Street hopes to remind passerby's that their lives matter.Dan Toulgoet

Zero multiplied by zero equals zero, right?

This is the equation implied and embedded in the phrase “first world problems,” used to contrast trivial problems or frustrations with the serious struggles faced in the developing world.

It is important that we keep our privileges in check, but it is also important that we don’t belittle our struggles with mental health.  

Today, the world was shocked to learn fashion icon and designer by suicide. It was yet another example of how everyone can suffer with mental illness — it doesn’t discriminate and it’s not something people choose. From an outsider's perspective she seemed to have had a lot of success in her life as well as a partner and child, but internally it's now clear she was struggling with personal problems. 

According to the , close to 800,000 people die by suicide each year in the world. That statistic does not include those who attempt it or struggle with ideation.

According to Statistics Canada, there was an increase in deaths by intentional self-harm rose 12 per cent between 2011 and 2015. During that same period, the national population only rose by seven per cent.

Not everyone has access to mental health services — in British Columbia, individual therapy $120 for a 50 minute session.

Coupled with feelings of unworthiness that those suffering with mental illness deal with, many people can’t come to terms with the fact they deserve investing money and time into their mental well-being.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to warning signs people may be exhibiting around you. They can apply to anyone, not just people who are suicidal, but in light of  Spade’s passing, you may be interested in reading more on

According to the Canadian Mental Health Assosciation:

  • One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
  • One in eight Canadians experience a mood disorder like depression in their life time
  • One in 25 Canadians experienced a substance use disorder this year
  • By age 40, 50 per cent of the population will have or have had a mental illness
  • One in nine Canadians, 15 years and older sought help for a mental health concern this year
  • More than 1.2 million children and youth experience a mental illness, but less than 20 per cent receive help

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are a lot of resources available to you through municipal, provincial and national organizations. There are also online forums for support and social media campaigns encouraging visibility and openness as a way to combat stigma towards mental illness. The notion that "you are not alone" is not meant to trivialize or belitte personal experiences or relationships with mental health. Rather, they are a reminder that there is help available, and people who can empathize in a way that might help you. 

Tools and Resources:

*Go to the emergency department if you are in immediate danger of harming yourself*

  • offers a multitude of support groups and programs, including ones for Chinese speaking people.
  • Access and Assessment Centre (604) 675-3700 - phone lines and clinic open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Or visit the Joseph and Rosalie Segal and Family Health Centre, Level 1 East Entrance, 803 West 12th Ave.
  • VCH: Older Adult Mental Health: (604) 709-6785 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • VCH: Addiction Services: 1 (866) 658-1221 - phone lines open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
  • Richmond Adult Mental Health and Addiction: (604) 244-5488 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Richmond Older Adult Mental Health and Addiction: (604) 675-3975 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
  • North Shore: (604) 983-6020 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Pemberton: (604) 698-5861 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Powell River: (604) 485-3300 - phone lines open Monday to Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Squamish: (604) 815-3008 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunshine Coast (Gibsons, Sechelt & Pender Harbour): (604) 885-6101 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Whistler: (604) 698-6455 - phone lines open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crisis Lines—Professionally trained volunteers can provide free, confidential, non-judgmental, emotional support if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

  • Richmond CHIMO Community Services: (604) 279-7070 - phone lines open 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
  • Provincial Crisis Centre: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) - phone lines open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit crisiscentrechat.ca
  • Seniors Distress Line: (604) 872-1234 - phone lines open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Youth specific:

  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868