Saddleback Church co-founder and mental health advocate Kay Warren has posted a really important message on Twitter about how to talk about the death of designer Kate Spade. Police say that she took her own life earlier this week. She was 55 years old.
Since her death was first reported, several media outlets have posted grisly details about it, speculated about her personal life and wrote about details regarding her family and relationships. Warren, whose son Matthew died by suicide, has become an advocate for mental health and suicide-prevention efforts.
First, she retweeted this message from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Our hearts are with Kate Spade’s friends and family. As we learn more, remember to talk about suicide in a safe way:
-say “died by suicide” or “took his/her life”, not “committed suicide”
-exclude details of method used
-exclude depictions, location of death and notes left behind— NAMI (@NAMICommunicate) June 5, 2018
And later this as well:
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available. Reach out to our friends at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling @800275TALK (8255). Trained counselors are available 24/7. Remember, you are not alone. ?
— NAMI (@NAMICommunicate) June 5, 2018
She went on to explain:
My heart aches for the pain & suffering Kate Spade must have been experiencing, as well as for the pain & suffering those who love her will now experience. Never forget every one of us is wounded in some way; let’s treat each other with tenderness.
— Kay Warren (@KayWarren1) June 5, 2018
The more I read some of the media coverage around Kate Spade’s death the angrier I become. We, the public, don’t have the right to know every graphic detail. She has a family – a vulnerable, shocked, traumatized child. Please think of her when you write.
— Kay Warren (@KayWarren1) June 6, 2018
The death of any person by suicide is reason for deep empathy and sorrow. Your words are harsh and lack kindness @sergeantb24 , but I’m going to assume you have lost people you loved and that pain has perhaps colored your perspective. I’m sorry for your loss. https://t.co/cdQSzja3iR
— Kay Warren (@KayWarren1) June 6, 2018
Thank you, @RobertVore! The reporting on Kate Spade has been appalling. Please, media folks! Follow the media guidelines for covering a suicide! The graphic details not only further traumatize her child but put vulnerable folks at risk. https://t.co/yuS1LVpeck
— Kay Warren (@KayWarren1) June 6, 2018
