The Power Of Love
Many of us were shocked and saddened by the recent death of two well-known stars, Kate Spade and Antony Bourdain, who ended their very successful and young lives with suicide. Many across the world and specially those whose lives were touched by the vastly popular and widely known stars ask why?
Why would Kate Spade; a beautiful, popular, talented, rich, well-respected and highly admired fashion designer end her life?
Why would Anthony Bourdain; a handsome, world-renowned chef, best-selling author and award-winning producer and beloved TV personality give up all of the above, and end his own life three days after Kate Spade ended hers?
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention):
In America,
Nearly 45,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2016
Suicide rates went up more than 30% in half of the states since 1999
More than half of the people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition
The CDC reports that “Mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely caused by any single factor. In fact, many people who die by suicide are not known to have a diagnosed mental health condition at the time of death. Other problems often contribute to suicide, such as those related to relationships, substance abuse, physical health, and job, money, legal, or housing stress.”
In light of that, it’s not just a good antidepressant or anxiolytic medicine that’s needed.
You and I need a steady and unwavering dose of true love.
Often times, finances, relationships, homes, and work environments become dreaded and hurtful battlefields of abuse, tension, worries, intimidation, and injustice. Human relations going sour can lend themselves to fears, anger, sadness, low-self esteem, and varying manifestations of evil. It’s no surprise or wonder that true love expressed in caring words, and with deeds of kindness and forgiveness, compassion and companionship can help us weather such dark, lonely, and turbulent days of our lives.
Love is truly a good medicine.
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13, 6-7
If you need help or know of someone who needs help please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for more information
Views expressed here are only of the author, and do not represent the views of any other organization or entity. Information in this blog are not meant to be medical advice. Please see your medical provider or psychologist for any of your medical or psychological concerns.
Adel G. Hanna, M.D.
Author: Soldier To Soldier Heart to Heart
A Doctor’s Stories from a Military Camp
Visit my other blog: Surviving College Life & Beyond