https://edition-m.cnn.com/2018/06/06/us/kate-spade-husband-statement/I only just found out about this. Kate Spade was the designer who created iconic handbags that many of us will remember (I own 2 - they were my favourite work totes).
What's so very sad about this was that Kate was 55 and was being 'treated for her disease' (quote) of anxiety and depression for 5 years before she took her life.
I cannot help but wonder if menopause was either the cause or catalyst in this. It has been widely debated that L'wren Scott who was the late partner of Mick Jagger and who committed suicide at a similar age was struggling with her menopause at the time of her death, although she did have other financial issues too.
I think it is fair to say regardless of what the official 'cause' was of these women's utter despair, that these years are very difficult for many women. Suddenly, capable women from all backgrounds find themselves thrown into a physical and mental chaos that is difficult to comprehend and truly, utterly feel like they may be losing their mnds - topped with other challenges and pressures that mid life brings.
Of course, we hear that some women do indeed sail through this time (I hate this phrase), but for most of us here this hasn't been the case.
This is why we should never stop talking about menopause - to raise awareness and help women realise that they are not alone, not crazy and that peer and professional support is available (even if the latter is something of a battle for many of us)!
RIP Kate - clever and creative lady. A very sad loss indeed.
