Martin Short: Mental Illness and Cancer Are Both Diseases

Actor Martin Short has spoken poignantly about the loss of his daughter, Katherine, who died by suicide in February at age 42. He drew a powerful parallel between his late wife Nancy Dolman's death from ovarian cancer in 2010 and Katherine's struggles with severe mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder.

Short recalled his wife's final words to him, "Martin, let me go," and his daughter's similar utterance, "Dad, let me go." He articulated that mental illness should be viewed as a disease, just like cancer, acknowledging that both can be terminal yet also survivable. He is actively involved with the organization Bring Change to Mind to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

Speaking on CBS News Sunday Morning, Short emphasized the widespread nature of mental health challenges and suicide, noting how many hands would rise if asked in an audience. He believes that by sharing his personal pain, he can help alleviate the suffering of others. Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker who worked to support others through her practice.