Most of us emote when we hear that someone has taken his or her own life, but when a celebrity takes his, the news media bombards us with the inevitable coverage. The soul-searching, the analysis, and the incredulity continue for a while… then abates until another icon repeats the tragedy.

Perhaps, one reason that the suicide of a celebrity is more amazing to so many is that many still cling to the notion that money and fame can solve all of the needs of a mortal to live a blessed and fulfilled life. Truth be told, money and status do indeed add to the pleasures of life – but they do not guarantee the full level of equilibrium that a human being needs to be satisfied.

Money and professional success are only part of the equation in completing the physical, spiritual, moral, emotional, and other needs that encompass the life cycle of each person. And I daresay that there are many who have found a proper balance even without much money or fame.

Ever wonder why so many people in the limelight with fancy cars, homes, money in the bank, media attention, and huge fan bases still turn to abuse of drugs and alcohol, or seek binges, orgies, and other escape mechanisms from reality? What are they running from when it seems to the world at large that they have everything that is still out of reach of billions around the world?

Yes, we should all feel sadness at the news that someone has reached that awful precipice and decides to end it all. But do not be unduly surprised or more perturbed when it is someone who is an icon. In the final analysis, it matters not fame or wealth or popularity.

There are intrinsic basic needs within us all – regardless of status or income or class or creed. And those needs often involve emotional satisfaction with the way we evaluate our relationships with family, friends, associates, how we view the world around us…and how much meaning we can give to life beyond our physical journeys in this sphere.

My deepest sadness is felt at the passing of anyone who has reached that awful and tragic cliff of despair and gloom.

I hope, though, that collectively, we can all, from all walks of life, find some solutions that will guide people, from all walks of life, away from the point of no return.