PARIS, TN- Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain; these are names of people that everyone knows. People assumed they had everything, but no one thought they were being affected by the silent killer called mental illness.

Spade’s and Bourdain’s deaths were a shock to everyone, even some of their closest friends. Mental illness affects 18.5% of adults in the United States each year and suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the U.S. Their deaths bring to light some of the sad truths not known about mental health.

People who suffer from mental health issues are equally productive in their jobs as people who do not suffer from a mental illness. Many people with mental health problems usually go undetected because they can be seen as productive, hard-working people in society. Spade was seen as a “bubbly” person to work with and created very bright and vibrant bags, but her husband stated after her passing that she had suffered from depression and anxiety for the past five years. Bourdain’s death also brings to light the idea of male suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that 80% of deaths by suicide are men, and 12% of women and men affected range from the age 45 to 54.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and 40 million adults in the U.S are affected with an anxiety disorder every year. These two things can go hand in hand: almost one half of those affected with depression also have an anxiety disorder. It is very common for people who suffer with an anxiety disorder to have another issue alongside it. These disorders could include stress, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, headaches, chronic pain, adult ADHD, sleep disorders, and more.

Mental health can affect the way people act, think, and can change their whole lifestyle. Figuring out the warning signs of mental illnesses can help others to understand what is going on with you, or someone you care about, and can help you take preventive measures before things get worse. Some of these warning signs according to mentalhealth.org include:

Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and usual activities
Having low or no energy
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Having unexplained aches and pains
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Yelling or fighting with family and friends
Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
Thinking of harming yourself or others
Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Mental Health is something that does not need to be taken lightly. If you believe you are suffering with a mental health issue and need some assistance with how to cope with these issues, please contact Lake Haven Behavioral Center at 731-644-8420 to learn more about your options and to receive a free evaluation.

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.