Hearing about Kate Spade’s tragic suicide was completely devastating. Many of us can either relate or know someone who can relate to the terrible pain that comes with suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety.

Many people falsely criticize those who commit suicide for not getting the help they need and accuse them of being selfish. But this is truly a tragedy and should show us all that success is not the key to happiness.

Despite her massive empire, and all the money she had, she was still affected by this mental illness and incredible pain. It can affect anyone.  

While ignorant and hurtful comments often come out when talking about suicide, it was shocking to see so many comments on social media from people that were completely speechless as to how the rich and famous could possibly feel the need to commit suicide.

Getty Images/ FilmMagic/ Andrew Toth

Well, truth be told – money, fame, and success does not buy happiness. So please, let’s not judge Kate Spade.  Our society does not know how to see the bigger picture when it comes to suicide. We often focus too much on the outside picture.

She’s a human being too, and hopefully, this can teach us more about mental illness and how it can affect everyone without us even knowing.  We need to stop believing that people’s socioeconomic status should dictate how they feel emotionally.

Regardless of how much money we’ve got in the bank, we are all people who can be affected by mental illness.  It is ok to be successful and still feel pain.

We are not perfect. We are human.