10/08/2026
“You don't look like you struggle with mental health"
Well yeah, I'm f*cked in the head not the face.
Often times you cannot see what’s really going on. There’s always a smile. There’s always a helping hand. Even when you ask they give you great advice.
Many public figures who appeared incredibly successful, energetic, and completely fine on the outside tragically died by su***de, illustrating how well individuals can mask deep emotional pain:
Robin Williams: One of the most beloved comedians and actors of all time, known for his manic energy, brilliant wit, and ability to bring immense joy to millions, died by su***de in 2014.
Anthony Bourdain: The celebrated chef, author, and television host traveled the world, exuding a cool, confident, and deeply curious persona on his shows before taking his own life in 2018.
Chester Bennington: The lead singer of Linkin Park performed high-energy rock shows and was photographed smiling with his family just days before his death by su***de in 2017.
Avicii (Tim Bergling): The world-famous electronic music producer and DJ was at the absolute peak of global musical success, performing for massive, joyful crowds before dying by su***de in 2018.
Kate Spade: The iconic fashion designer built a global empire centered around bright, colorful, and cheerful aesthetics before taking her own life in 2018.
Mac Miller is another prominent example of this dynamic, though his official cause of death was an accidental mixed drug overdose. He struggled openly with severe addiction, substance abuse, and depression. Like the others, his outward appearance often hid how deeply he was struggling. The night before he died in September 2018, his mother reported that he was in incredibly good spirits and excited about his upcoming tour.
Even those in the game of prevention:
Andy Nguyen: A Marine Corps veteran who co-founded 22KILL, a prominent veteran mental health and su***de awareness organization (now known as One Tribe Foundation). He dedicated his life's work to helping veterans believe they mattered, but tragically died by su***de in 2021 at the age of 45.
Sgt. Dave Wherley: An Army veteran who worked closely with his best friend to help launch a parachute program designed to give fellow veterans a renewed sense of purpose after active service. He died by su***de in 2013, just twenty days after launching the initiative.
Chris Kaag: While his official cause of death was not widely released as a su***de, the U.S. Marine veteran founded the IM ABLE Foundation to empower people with disabilities and veterans to overcome adversity. He was widely viewed as a symbol of absolute resilience before his passing.
And Civic Leaders like Jarrid Wilson. A well-known pastor, author, and co-founder of Anthem of Hope—a Christian nonprofit dedicated to helping people battle depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. He spent years openly sharing his own struggles with depression to break the stigma. Tragically, he died by su***de in 2019 at the age of 30, just hours after posting a supportive message online about handling dark moments.
The idea that someone must look depressed or visibly distressed to be struggling is a common misconception. The picture isn’t always what it seems.
Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct 4th - 10th
