Christie JungeA Plus Solutions Inc. · CEO | Profit First Professional

Success and mental health #entrepreneur #mentalhealth #burnout #mentalhealthmonth

22 May 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:34

In this brief segment of a YouTube discussion, the speakers reflect on the death of fashion designer and entrepreneur Kate Spade, emphasizing that despite her outwardly vibrant and successful brand, she suffered from long‑term depression and anxiety. They note that her reluctance to seek professional help was tied to fear of damaging the brand’s positive image, illustrating how the pressure to maintain a successful public persona can prevent entrepreneurs from addressing mental‑health needs. The conversation underscores the broader point that wealth and outward success are not reliable indicators of mental well‑being, and that the entrepreneurial environment can exacerbate hidden struggles.

Chapters

Kate Spade had been suffering with depression and anxiety for years, and her sister expressed that one of the reasons Kate declined going to a facility for help is because she didn't want to impact the brand's positive persona. Heartbreaking. Like, kind of takes my breath away. The idea of running this business, which is so outwardly up and fun and colorful and alive and happy, and the person behind it all is just struggling to make it. And we're sharing her story because it's an example of a successful entrepreneur who is succumbing to the pressure of running a business.
I, I was shocked. We were doing prep yesterday for this and I did not know she passed away. I know the brand, the Kate Spade brand, right? In particular, so well.
It highlights that mental health cannot be determined by success and wealth.
And maybe success and wealth are not synonymous. Maybe we have to have our definition of success.