KATE SPADE: Suicide Prevention/ Where to get help

Fashion designer, Kate Valentine Spade

The rate of suicides seen across age, gender, race and class is daily spreading faster than a volcano. The devastating aftermath leaves loved ones consumed with emotions of grief, guilt and distress.

Recently, Fashion designer, Kate Spade, 55 who built a fashion empire on her signature handbags took her own life after she was found hanged at her Upper East Side apartment. Her devastated sister revealed that she suffered with manic depression but refused to get help in case it damaged her brand. Spade left a heartbreaking suicide note to 13 year-old daughter before she was found hanged at her New York apartment, it is claimed.

According to TMZ, her suicide note read: "Bea - I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy.

How to avoid suicidal thought

• Try not to think about the future – just focus on getting through today
• Stay away from drugs and alcohol
• Get yourself to a safe place, like a friend's house
• Be around other people
• Do something you usually enjoy
• Let family or friends know what's going on for you. They may be able to offer support and help keep you safe.

Are you worried about someone?

• Try to get them to talk to you. Ask open-ended questions like: "How do you feel about...?"
• Don't worry about having the answers. Just listening to what someone has to say and taking it seriously can be more helpful

If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed, the following organisations offer advice and support.

From Canada or US: If you're in an emergency, please call 911

You can contact the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Test Line by texting HOME to 741741

Young people in need of help can call Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868

If you are in the UK, you can call:

 1. Samaritans on 116123

Samaritans is available 24 hours a day for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk where calls are completely confidential.

Phone: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Visit the Samaritans website 

2. HOPELineUK

HOPELineUK offer support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you’re concerned about someone you know.

Phone: 0800 068 41 41

Visit the Papyrus website 

3. CALM

CALM, the campaign against living miserably aims to prevent male suicide in the UK and offers anonymous, confidential listening, information and signposting.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily 5pm-midnight)

Visit the CALM website 

4. Lifeline

Lifeline provides support to people suffering distress or despair in Northern Ireland, regardless of age or district.

Phone: 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day)

Visit the Lifeline website 

5. Community Advice & Listening Line

Community Advice & Listening Line offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.

Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text "help" to 81066

Visit the Community Advice & Listening Line website 

6. Breathing Space

Breathing Space offers a confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, weekends 24 hours).

A BSL service is also available via the website.

Visit the Breathing Space website 

7. Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.

Phone: 0300 111 5065 (9am to 9pm daily)

Visit the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide website