McQueen and his mother who died a week before he committed suicide
I was shocked when I heard about the death of fashion designer Alexander’s McQueen‘s a few days ago. I was saddened when I found out he had committed suicide.
There have been hundreds of articles written about his death, his achievements, his fashions. One thing I noticed was how few times the actual word “suicide” came up when talking about his death.
I believe this is the case because the word suicide, like divorce, carries such a negative connotation. That if we don’t talk about it, how to prevent it, how to get these topics more out in the open, that they just won’t happen. If you’re reading this, you, like me, know that divorce will occur whether we talk about it or not. Just like suicide.
I don’t think many people are aware that if you are divorced or divorcing you are three times as likely to commit suicide than others who are married. THREE times. I find this number shocking and tragic.
A divorce can significantly increase a person’s risk for suicide.
One study by the National Institute for Healthcare Research indicates that divorced people are three times as likely to die by suicide as people who are married.
Thus, if you are going through a divorce, you need to get a strong support network in place. And get into therapy, whether you think you need to or not. Be proactive. -from Suicide.org
I’m reaching out here to anyone who feels like they just can’t live another day. Who feels, almost KNOWS, that they can’t take the pain of having to live life. I know because I’ve been there. A few times.
Through my blog, and Examiner column, and radio show, I exhibit and radiate joy, hope, and how fun life can be. But me, just like some of you who may be reading this, have felt the darkness of pain and thought it was easier not to be here anymore…my divorce had caused me this much pain.
Let Kim Hess Divorce Guru give you some hope. Hope that the world is a good place to be, and that “trouble don’t last always.” I believe I was put here for a reason, and so were you. Reach out to someone, anyone and tell them how you feel. Please believe me when I say that people do care. You just have to let them know you need help.
I got up the courage and asked for help. From my mom. From my sister. From my dad. From a suicide hotline.
I pay tribute to the wonderful Alexander McQueen. I also pay tribute to you…please stick around so you can appreciate it.
-KHDG
1-800-SUICIDE 1-800-273-TALK
1-800-784-2433 1-800-273-8255
If you are contemplating suicide, please read this first
Related posts:
FEB
About the Author:
Kim is the co-author of "From Ex to Next! An Empowered Woman's Guide to Dating After Breakup or Divorce." She is also the host of "Divorce Guru" radio show host, as well as the National Divorce columnist for the Examiner.com Kim lives in San Francisco, CA and is the proud mother of two very energetic, very wonderful boys.