Beautiful Train Wrecks & Link Up On the Edge #97

As the fashion world is grieving the recent loss of the beautiful Kate Spade, I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to her and send my condolences to all of her friends and family. I also wanted to take this opportunity to once again open the discussion on the topic of mental illness, specifically Bipolar Disorder and Depression. It is a serious issue and one that is very close to my heart. It shows no mercy and it does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or status. And it takes lives. Every day. Wonderful, amazing, exquisite, rich lives. Lives that for some reason feel dark and tortured and empty. Afflictions like these will continue to take lives until we can eliminate the shame surrounding the diagnosis and start talking about it. Really talking about it. In a way that is real, heartfelt, genuine, and helpful. So many creative and brilliant minds have been lost because they have hidden in shame behind a splendid facade of success and achievements. Please let’s start the discussion, eliminate the shame, and save ourselves.

*This is not a sponsored post.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

To illustrate the severity of the problem, I want to share these numbers with you. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States with approximately 44,000 deaths per year resulting from intentional self-inflicted injuries. And even more alarming, statistics report that nearly 500,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for self-inflicted injuries that can be classified as suicide attempts. The problem is serious. And it needs to be addressed and discussed openly.

While great strides have been made in opening the discussion, there is still so much more work to be done. I am so grateful that my journey through Bipolar Disorder has ended in such a way that I am here to write about this topic and do what I can to spread awareness and help eliminate the shame. I am also so grateful to the high profile people with mental health diagnoses who are being publicly open about their struggles in an effort to normalize the illness and to encourage others to seek help rather than hiding in fear and shame alone with their diagnoses.

More than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, many of them are people just like you and me. But many of them are famous, successful, over-acheivers who continue to fight their internal battles while striving to be at the top of their game. Regardless of their status or fame or daily lifestyles, each and every one of us who has been tormented by the darkness of mental illness is a fighter, a survivor, and a magnificent beautiful train wreck.

So while we mourn the loss of the brilliant Kate Spade, I want to also thank those high profile people who speak openly and honestly about their struggles. People like Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, Sinead O’Connor, Jane Pauley, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand, Patty Duke, and Linda Hamilton. And the list goes on. These people who are helping to publicly normalize the illnesses that torment us in the deepest recesses of our minds. The illnesses that contribute to the most creative and brilliant works in music, art, fashion, literature, and theater. While feeling like a train wreck all of the time, these amazing individuals manage to create so much beauty in our world. And too many lose their struggle. People like Marilyn Monroe, Robin Williams, Kurt Cobain, Ernest Hemingway, Mindy McCready, Alexander McQueen, L’Wren Scott, Dana Plato, Chris Cornell, and of course, the very talented and beloved Kate Spade. When losses like these occur, it shakes the world. So I beg you all now, open the discussion and keep the conversation going. It literally could save lives.

Sometimes you have to fight this battle on your own, but no one should have to struggle alone in the darkness of a tormented mind. If you or someone you know struggles with Bipolar Disorder or Depression, please reach out for help and start talking about it. I have experienced great success during my Bipolar journey through mental health counseling, bibliotherapy, and the use of cannabis and cannabinoid infused products. If there is an immediate life-threatening risk to you or one of your loved ones, please contact your local emergency room or suicide hotline immediately. I promise you that life on the other side of mental illness really is quite worth the fight.

And now your favorite posts from last week’s link up.

Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun shared her post, Coral & Stripes. Always inspiring me with her style choices, Dawn Lucy never fails to show us just how fun fashion can be! I love her choice of coral pants to accent her classic black and white striped tee.

Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun

Ashley of Le Stylo Rouge shared her post, A Summer Sweater with Tropical Slides. This easy, chic, casual summer look is definitely worth copying and copying is the best form of flattery. Now I am off to find a cool summer sweater like Ashley’s!

Ashley of Le Stylo Rouge


In an effort to keep the mental health discussion alive, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below. There really is a very wonderful place on the other side of the journey.

*Editor’s Note: Just a few hours after publishing this article, I read the news that Anthony Bourdain, another brilliant individual, lost his life to mental illness. Keeping all of these people and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers, I beg you to please keep this discussion open.  There is no shame in this illness and there is no shame is getting the help you need.  I literally have no more words at this time.  My heart is broken. 

*To support my efforts in raising more awareness about mental illness and suicide, will you please consider donating to my friend Susan’s fundraising campaign for the 2018 Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention.  The walk is on June 16 so any contributions to the cause would be greatly appreciated. 

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

73 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kathrine, thank you so very much for also joining the conversation. Mental illness effects so many of us even if it is indirectly. The more people who talk about, the more quickly we can remove the stigma. And I had these pictures from about a month ago that I just never used…the train in the background ended up being perfect…it was like the blogging stars aligned perfectly for this post. Although, it is a very sad post, it is a necessary one. I appreciate your support so very much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lazy Daisy Jones

    Hi shelbee,
    what a thought provoking post…
    I always think its the brilliant minds that suffer the most with this illness.
    You are a true inspiration, keep spreading the word darl!
    bestest wishes
    Have a super weekend
    Ashley x

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Ashley, thank you so much for joining the discussion. If more and more people would be open to the conversation, we could knock down the walls of shame and create a community that is genuine, caring, and helpful. Sometimes just talking about it can be enough to save a life. I appreciate your words and your support so very much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michele Morin

    Great timing on this conversation. I grew up in a home that was impacted by mental illness. That was a long time ago, but I think we’re still uncertain as to how to help or how to talk about it.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Michele, thank you for joining the discussion and for sharing your experience. So many of us are effected by mental illness in one way or another. And it can wreak havoc on the lives of loved ones as well. I don’t know that there is a “right way” to talk about, but I do know that sometimes it is enough to let someone know that I, too, have been there, I have seen the darkness, I have felt the hopelessness, and I have survived it. It’s the best we can do sometimes…just to talk about it in any way that we can and eliminate the feelings of shame. Keep the conversation going, my friend, it could save a life.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Elsie, thank you so much! I actually was hesitant to address it because I was fearful of how exhausted I get when I do go deep into this issue. But it was necessary and it is my mission, so I had to do it. And I am very glad that I did. I am so saddened right now by stories of people losing their battles. I must keep talking about it no matter how tired it makes me! If my conversations save just one life, then that is one more brilliant life that can go on to help another with their success story.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy Baten

    In the Netherlands it is a problem too. And the people who are struggling with it are out of sight, so it is very difficult to help them. And it is a problem more with younger people then on older people. Good of you to start this toppic regurarly.
    Have a great weekend love!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Nancy, thank you so much for sharing the statistics of the Netherlands. I was trying to find worldwide statistics but was pressed for time so I stuck with the U.S. since it’s what I know. But mental illness definitely afflicts people in astronomical numbers worldwide. We all need to keep the conversation going. Thank you so much for joining the discussion, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jodie

    It’s always the hardest to share these stories, so I’m so in awe when you open up the way your do, Shelbee. I was there. I had the plan. It was a terrible time in my life. So I totally get it.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Oh Jodie, I hear you. It never is an easy thing to get through and too many people dismiss it as something less serious than it is. I am so sorry that you had to journey through such darkness as well. But isn’t it the most wonderful place on the other side of it? We need to keep sharing our stories to show others that they, too, can survive these dark places. Thank you so much for being open about your experience as well. I love you, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    It saddens me to think that Kate Spade was afraid to get help for fear of how it would affect her brand, I hope and pray that the stigma attached to mental health issues and illness will be lifted. And now we hear about Anthony Bourdain. Such tragic loss, my heartfelt prayers for those they left behind.
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kellyann, thank you for joining the discussion. I hear it all too often and I was the same way…no one wants to be known as “the crazy person” or the “mentally ill freak.” There is way too much stigma still attached to mental illness and way too much shame felt as we hide away in our darkness. This week, sadness is overwhelming my heart. The best I can do is to keep sharing my story and illustrate that survival is also a very real option. I appreciate your support so very much and all you do in keeping this important conversation going as well, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Rachael Thomas

    First of all, I love this outfit! That is such a pretty floral tunic. I also can’t agree with you more, and mental health needs to be talked about. Unfortunately I didn’t realize how common it was until I lost an immediate family member to suicide. It needs to be talked about because we can help others!
    Rachael

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Rachael, thank you so much for sharing your personal experience. I am sorry for your loss. Suicide always catches the loved ones off guard. From my personal battles, I can tell you this…suicide is a very personal decision, one that most do not share their contemplations with anyone even their closest friends and family. If someone is talking about suicide, that is sort of a good sign. They can be helped because they are talking about it. It is the people who get lost so deep inside their minds and hide it so well and never discuss it that end up being the tragic and unexpected losses. Please continue joining the discussion around this topic. It is so important.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jennie

    I appreciated everything you had to share on this subject, Shelby, as well as how open you have always been open about your personal struggles. My heart has just been so sad and numb over Kate. Now this morning to read about Anthony Bourdain, it is just really bringing the issues to light. We just truly never know what others may be dealing with. It’s a very sad week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jennie, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the subject and for joining the discussion. My heart is broken today as the news of these suicides fills my internet feed. As a person who survived some of the very darkest places within my own mind, I know that it can be done. And when I see these brilliant people lose their battles, I am left feeling numb and helpless myself. All I can do is keep pushing the issue of an open discussion. Sometimes just letting people know that I have been there and I made it through might just be enough. At least, I can hope it will be. As always, I appreciate your support so much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Susan

    Like my father before me, I have battled depression my entire life. Bipolar runs in my family, and some of us medicate for it, but we always accepted bipolar as normal for us, in that, we are all that way, and thought everyone else was too. As a result, we’ve have known suicides, alcoholism, and a smorgasbord of other tragedies from untreated bipolar and depression. Getting the discussion going helps people like us.

    Kate Spade will be missed.
    That being said, you should send over those shoes, and that gorgeous Torrid shirt too. I think I need them.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Susan, thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I think your experience is very common where we just think this is the way all minds work. I struggled with that misconception for a long time as well until I realized that I was quite different. That I thought deeper and felt more intensely and as a result, I experienced much more mental anguish than the “normal” person. This happens, I think, because we don’t talk about it enough! Once I gained the courage to talk about my experiences, I noticed more and more people opening up to me and letting me know that it was the very first time they were able to speak openly about their issues. And sometimes that’s all it takes, just one person saying, “I get it. I’ve been there.” That can be enough to save a life that day. I cannot express enough gratitude to you for opening up here about your mental health history. Please keep talking about it! It is so important that we do.

      And thank you so much for the outfit compliments! The shirt is actually an old gifted item from Rosegal (much cheaper than Torrid), but I think I did see a very similar shirt available from Torrid recently. And the shoes I scored when my local Bon Ton went out of business. They are Ruff Hewn and I paid less than $5 for them!

      Sending many hugs to you, my friend! Keep talking and keep surviving!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Stephanie

    I am constantly writing about mental health on my blog considering I have anxiety, depression, and post partum. It is something we should never stop talking about.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Stephanie, I so appreciate the work you do and that you remain open and honest about your struggles as well. It is so important to create a safe community where we can discuss these issues and not feel so alone in this struggle. I do hope that you are thriving and overcoming your dark places. And please keep the conversation going…as you know how important the discussion is. Many hugs to you, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jessica

    Thank you for sharing this. It’s so important to talk about so hopefully people don’t feel like they are alone and they can get help.
    ~Jessica

  • Liz

    Brilliant post! This is definitely a wake up call for a lot of us. Kate was such an inspiration to me and I’m so devastated that she felt this was her only way out, but again this is a very real struggle that many people deal with every single day.

    Liz
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Liz, thank you so much for taking part in the discussion. Mental illness really is such a dark place to be and sometimes the pain is too much to tolerate. That is the reason we need to knock down these walls of shame so people in need can talk comfortably about the issues and get the necessary help. I appreciate your input so very much.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elizabeth Ramsey

    Great post on a topic I’m passionate about as well. Have been contemplating writing one as well. The way the media covers it, we hear a lot of things like “we just need to let people know we’re there for them” and “they need to know they’re loved”. While of course, these things do no harm, I also think they miss the real issue. Those struggling with suicide need resources for helping them re-wire their brains. To stop getting caught in negative thought hamster wheels. I think so often those contemplating suicide are so aware when it come to others….those people’s problems can be solved, those people are considering a permanent solution to problems that will likely be temporary. But when it comes to themselves they just can’t see it the same way. And need to be taught or re-taught. The celebrities you site that help de-stigmatize seeking out mental help are certainly taking a step in the right direction. De-stigmatize. Increase access. Would love to see schools target tweens with some of these skills – mindfulness, learning how to work through the difference between solvable and non-solvable problems and techniques for coping with same.

    Elizabeth | https://nattygal.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Elizabeth, thank you so very, very much for sharing your input on this topic. I agree with you completely. And I love that idea of teens with helping skills of this sort forming communities to help their peers. I cannot express enough gratitude to you for sharing this. I do hope that you will write a blog post elaborating on this topic and your wonderfully inspiring ideas.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Pam Ecrement

    This topic needs to come out of the shadows. For all the breakthroughs in so many areas of our health, this one still remains hidden too often and those who suffer experience shame, isolation, and so much more pain than they may express openly. I was a licensed professional clinical counselor for 25 years and I am aware of how real the struggle is.

    This topic is no less vital to talk about than the opioid crisis, #me too movement, and human trafficking (among many things). There are many reasons and causes for mental health issues and our empathy and understanding need to learn the truth about these issues.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Pam, thank you so much for joining the conversation. And thank you even more for the work you have done in the field of mental health. I agree with you completely that we need to break down these walls of shame and stigma and start having honest, real, raw, open discussions about the darkness that is mental illness. I will keep sharing my story as an illustration of someone who traveled through the darkest places of my mind to come out on the other side. One of the success stories in this huge dark picture. But I want to lead by example and let people know that they can come out on the other side of it as a whole, beautiful, productive, functioning member of society despite what some professionals told me during my journey. But as many that told me to just accept the diagnosis and live broken, I had some amazing professionals in the field who helped me to pull myself out of it completely. If I can help just one person, then my struggle had purpose and significance. I will keep this conversation going and I thank you for doing your part as well. It is so very important.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheryl, I agree with you completely. Mental illness is a disease just like any other physical disease and it claims lives just as rapidly as some of the worst ones. We need to help get rid of the stigma by keeping an open discussion going. Thank you so much for joining the conversation.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Susan

    Oh FU*K!!! Anthony Bourdain? But, But, I was gonna marry him, as soon as he came to Delaware. Takes one to recognize one, and I knew his brilliance was contraindicated by dark moods. Dammit! He was so cute too! And my black lace kimono should be here by Monday. Now he’s gone and missed it. He could have had ME.

    How’s that for a demonstration of mental illness?
    Go with God, Tony.

  • Elle

    Let’s begin with the light topic here, and let me say how lovely this floral tunic is with this very chic olive green jacket. What a fabulous way to style denim.
    Now on a more serious note I am very glad that you brought up the topic of mental illness and how pervasive it is in our society. Kate Spade is certainly is on many people’s minds. I really hope that these tragic deaths help lead to a seachange of thinking about mental illness. Most importantly, I hope that mental illness becomes de stigmatized and that more people feel free to seek the help they need.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle

    https://theellediaries.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Elle, thank you, thank you, for both parts of this comment. I am on a mission to help with the destigmatization of mental health issues. We have to eliminate the shame involved and start having open, honest, and helpful conversations on the topic. I am so grateful to you for joining that discussion. The more people who talk openly about it, the better chance we have of saving more people.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Julie

    What a thoughtful post Shelbee! Sometimes I don’t understand why there’s such a stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s something that needs medical intervention, just like any illness. Although it strikes so many people, I think that so many people look at celebrities and think they have it all, how could they throw it away. Well, the fact is that they are burdened with no privacy, are clung to by a group of people that they can’t know for certain whether they are true friends or fame/money seekers and they are dealing with their issues in front of everyone. Of course, it’s the life they chose, but I often think they must not have really known what it would be like or they never would have chosen it. So, I think those poor souls must feel so isolated and without remedy. Not that the average individual can’t feel that way. It’s a very sad dilemma that needs addressing in more ways.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Julie, thank you so much for joining the conversation! I agree with you on all of this. I remember years ago listening to a radio talk show and they were making fun of a famous person (I cannot remember who it was at this point) who had recently stated publicly about their struggle with depression. The talk show hosts were going on and on claiming that it was a ploy for attention, how could someone who has everything be depressed, and so forth. I remember driving in my car screaming at the radio in anger. I even went so far as to call in to the radio show to voice my anger at their ignorance, but I never got through. It infuriates me how people can lack compassion on things like these…then we wonder why there is such a stigma attached to mental illness…it’s because of people like those radio show hosts. So frustrating! I will keep spreading awareness and sharing my story whenever I can in an effort to remove the shame and stigma involved with mental illness. And I am so thankful to you for being part of the discussion to make people more aware.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy Rowden

    Great post Shelbee…those statistics are staggering and it’s good that more and more people are being open about their struggles. After all, we all have them in one area or another! And we need each other! Of course I love your outfit and the backdrop, which is very fitting for your topic of today. Those shoes shelbee!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Chrissy, thank you so much for joining the discussion. The statistics always are so shocking because so few people talk about mental illness! And I agree with you completely that we all do need each other. We need to ask for help, offer to help, and get each other through this crazy life!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl Tucker

    This is such an important post and topic. I think depression touches every single person in some way at some point. It may be a a family member, friend or one’s self. I have dealt with this issue personally and it is one of the most helpless positions to be in. But for the grace of God no one close to me has been lost. My heart goes out to anyone suffering and I only hope our country wakes up and finds more ways to address this growing health issue. Thanks for sharing!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheryl, thank you so much for joining the conversation and sharing your personal experience with depression. It really is one of the darkest places to live and many who have never suffered from it themselves simply cannot understand. But that should not mean that they cannot empathize. We all need to be open and honest in these talks because the more people who say, “Hey, I have felt that way, too”, the larger the community will grow to help each other. I appreciate your openness on the topic so very much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marilee Gramith

    I’m sure you’ve seen the recent news about the dramatic increase in the suicide rate over the last decade. Your passion for keeping mental health issues front and center is both admirable and crucial Shelbee. I think open conversation on mental health topics can begin to move us toward changing our warped and damaging perceptions about mental ILLNESS and force us to rethink our priorities for meaningful state and federal policymaking and spending. I fear it will take longer than we’d like.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jude, thank you so much for recognizing the importance of discussing the topic of mental illness and for joining the conversation. We have come a long way in the field of mental health, but there still is so, so much more work that needs to be done. I am just doing my tiny little part, trying to figure out how I can do more.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marilee Gramith

    I forgot to tell you how pretty you look in that lovely feminine floral tunic. The whole outfit is smashing Shelbee!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Laura, thank you so much for the compliments and for joining the conversation around mental illness. The more we talk about it and the more people we get involved in the discussion, the better off we will all be. I will continue addressing these issues on my blog because it is so important to me. Please keep sharing your thoughts on the topic as well!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick weseman

    Everything you state is so very true. The sad thing it seems like we as a nation don’t want to address it. It needs to be addressed and we need to help those with mental illiness more. Great pics by the train yard, you look great. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Patrick, thank you for joining the conversation! We definitely need to be addressing mental health issues and the available care on a nation wide basis. Great strides have been made but there is still so far to go. We have to get rid of the shame and stigma attached. Thank you also for the lovely compliment!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maureen

    Last week had really heart breaking news and losses. I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears when I saw and heard about the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Gone too soon. I am really glad you are opening a conversation about mental health illness and spreading the word. It’s so important and very crucial. Happy weekend!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maureen, thanks so much for joining the discussion. I think we were all shaken by this news which shows that too many people are still so afraid to be open about their mental health issues. It is the best way we can hep each other…keeping the conversation open, real, and honest.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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Shelbee on the Edge