A well-known animal rescuer was found dead of an apparent suicide Wednesday night. No one knew how helpless she was feeling.
Manhattan clinical psychologist and author was found hanging in the bathroom of her fifth floor Sutton Place apartment. Stacey Radin, 52, was discovered by her husband, and law enforcement said she was pronounced dead at the scene. She left several notes behind. Sadly, she had a history of depression.
Stacey is remembered as the founder of Unleashed NY.org, a program developed to empower young women advocating for animal rights and animal welfare. She was the author of: “Brave Girls: Raising Young Women with Passion and Purpose to Become Powerful Leaders”.
While Stacey taught young girls that they had a voice and could use it to help animals, Stacey herself was battling her own demons. I read she was a cancer survivor and was still having trouble overcoming it.
We really need to watch our friends in animal rescue as there are a lot of “Stacey’s” out there who are very good at covering up mental distress.
Stacey’s friend Shelley stated on her Facebook page:
“Stacey, thank you for all the lives you saved. You made a difference in this world before you left. I am so sorry I didn’t know how felt hopeless you were feeling. I am just so sorry.”
Our Prayers
We’re all sorry because there will be more suicides and most of them will take us by surprise. According to the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Oberon University and the CDC animal care workers are the most likely to commit suicide in America.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Stacey, her family and friends during this difficult time. Please feel free to leave a memorial message if you knew Stacey and her work.
Sources other than stated 1 and 2.
Associated articles
Please take the time to read these related articles Animal rescue worker compassion fatigue and Animal rescue worker suicide rate.
Update (next day): I have a page on her Unleashed program for which she was well-known.
Another very sad death in the cat rescuer community concerned Janice Lockamy, 60, who was killed in a road traffic accident on July 2nd 2017 while transporting cats.
A bit about Stacey
Stacey was a highly talented and qualified person. She earned her doctorate in psychology from Albert Einstein Medical Center and an MA and postdoctoral certificate in psychoanalysis from Columbia University. She specialised in one-to-one coaching sessions, group sessions, consultations and assessments for leaders of organisations. When she was working her way through university she met women who felt they didn’t have the capacity to achieve. They stayed in her mind and motivated her to empower them through Unleashed (unleashedny.org).
Follow Elisa on Facebook and Instagram. Unleashed NY Facebook page here.
Spoken like someone that doesn’t understand anything about depression. Very well done!
Stacey and i went to graduate school together. I heard about this a few years ago and was so shocked. I know the pain of depression all to well- stacey, i am so sorry you went through this. Please RIP and may your memory be a blessing.
Yes, God bless her. When a person cares a lot, life is harder.