I AM particularly alarmed about the celebrity deaths this week. First there was Kate Spade, successful fashion designer who was found dead in her residence in New York.
Then just two days ago, it was Anthony Bourdain famous chef, author, host and Peabody Award recipient. He was found dead too, in his hotel room in France where he was shooting an episode of his famous show, Parts Unknown. You have probably heard about it and you might have asked the same question as I had, WHY?
Both seemed to have been living charmed lives--successful, famous and in their own way, powerful. They have the love and respect of many people.
You would think that they are lucky and have more than enough, right? Apparently not. It is true what they say, sometimes there is more than what meets the eye. It is a shock. We think that everything is okay until something like this happens.
I am reminded of the first time someone actually jumped to their death in one of our local malls. Through the years, this harrowing incidence increased. This is both sad and alarming, don't you think? It gives one the feeling that something is terribly wrong in our society today.
One cannot help but think, what's happening today?
Now that the unfortunate thing happens quite 'commonly’ these days, there is a need to be aware of mental health issues that plague the present global population.
The importance of recognizing the significance of mental health now has gained global attention because of the celebrities that have succumbed to their mental state by resulting to suicide. The stigma that comes with such affliction is getting in the way of proper management of their condition which can be controlled with proper medication and guidance.
Here in our country, individuals with mental health issues suffer the same fate. We have to admit that we are at times too quick to brand people who are advised to see a mental health professional as “buang” or mentally disturbed which is in all honesty, is not always the case. So please be kind and careful with what you say.
I have always believed that we Filipinos have the best support system in the world. Our close family ties and wide circle of friends provides the emotional encouragement, love and care that we need.
With the preponderance of local mental issues like suicide and depression even in children, it makes me think if there is a need to rethink if we still make the significant people in our lives feel that they will always have someone to reach out to? Do we make them feel secure? Are we encouraging them enough to be strong and to carry on? Do we hug them enough, tell them enough that we love them and that we’ll always be there for them?
Moreso, are we strong enough to ask for professional help when it is surely needed? Hmmm.
Think, reevaluate and make the necessary adjustments, please.