This February 11 commemorates the 63rd anniversary of American writer Sylvia Plath’s suicide, and reminds people of the importance of helping those struggling with mental illnesses.
Life for her children changed forever the night their mother took her life. It was the beginning of February, and little Frieda and Nicholas Hughes were lying in their beds. The kids were fast asleep, dreaming, unaware that the crack in their bedroom door was sealed with wet cloth. They were unaware of the fact that their mother, only 30 years old, had taken her life.
The scene above was what had occurred the day of Sylvia Plath’s death. Plath, who had been suffering with an extreme case of severe depression, had a very little urge to live. So, while her two children were sleeping, she inhaled carbon monoxide from her kitchen oven. This disturbing death shocked many, and brought Plath a lot of attention.
Born in a time when mental illness was deeply overlooked and misjudged, Sylvia lived her life tormented and distressed. This originated from past traumas and recurring emotional stress. Her husband, Ted Hughes, was known to flirt with multiple women, and consistently fight with her, leading Plath into a further spiral. She was also a mother, who found it hard to balance her creativity and family life. These everyday occurrences and pressures were one of the aspects that brought Plath over the edge.
Her books, The Bell Jar and Ariel were really popular, and focused on similar themes of depression, death, motherhood, and patriarchy.
But Plath’s story, as unique as it sounds, is something seen very often. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and impacts more than just the person experiencing it. According to the CDC, over 1.5 million people have attempted suicide in their lives, and 12.8 million have considered it. 49,000 committed suicide in 2023. This goes to show the seriousness of the situation and how very little is being done.
To know what exactly depression can look like, here are some signs one should look for: talking or writing about committing suicide, fully withdrawing, and isolating oneself. Other signs of suicide and depression include feeling like a burden to others, being extremely sad or anxious, giving away possessions, making sudden adjustments to life, and suddenly saying goodbyes. For more information on this topic, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s website.
If you think a loved one or someone you know has depression, it’s important to be there for them and let them know they aren’t alone. Just communicating with them and asking them about it makes a big difference. If you think someone you know is suicidal or on the verge of committing suicide, it’s important to push them to seek help and get them assessed.
Sylvia Plath was a literary icon whose mental challenges shaped the way her novels and poems flowed. Her life and legacy serve as a reminder to people that if they’re struggling, or know someone who is, it’s important to seek help and not ignore any signs.
