Wolfgang Grupp reveals his bid for self-destruction to the public
In a shocking disclosure, Wolfgang Grupp, the colourful and prominent German entrepreneur, has revealed that he attempted suicide due to age-related depression. The 83-year-old, who is currently recovering in a hospital, made this announcement in a letter to his former employees, which was obtained by the German Press Agency.
Born in 1942 in the Swabian city of Burladingen, with a population of over 12,000, Grupp took over Trigema, a manufacturer of underwear, leisure, and sportswear, from his grandfather in 1969. The company, which is known for its iconic TV ads featuring a chimpanzee newsreader promoting T-shirts and sweatshirts, reported a production turnover of 129.3 million euros in 2023, with over 1,140 employees.
Grupp Jr. and his sister Bonita, who took over the company from their father in early 2024, are now responsible for the B2B sector, sales, logistics, and IT, while Bonita oversees HR, E-commerce, and marketing.
Age-related depression, which is the most common mental illness in old age after dementia, is characterized by persistent sadness, fatigue, social withdrawal, and cognitive changes. The condition is caused by a complex interplay of brain aging, medical issues, social isolation, grief, and psychological stressors specific to older adults.
In older people, age-related depression often manifests itself through physical complaints such as fatigue, loss of energy, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, and unexplained aches and pains. Depression in old age, known as age-related depression, differs from depressions in younger individuals.
The police confirmed an incident in Burladingen, the residence of Wolfgang Grupp, but no further details were provided. No external involvement or crime was found at the scene of the incident, and it was reported that an injured person was airlifted from a private apartment to the hospital in Burladingen.
Grupp, who is considered one of Germany's most prominent entrepreneurs, deeply regrets his suicide attempt and wishes to undo it. He is currently doing well under the circumstances and is grateful to doctors, rescue, and care personnel.
The former sole owner of Trigema is a frequent guest on talk shows, where he criticizes the hubris of some entrepreneurs and calls for personal liability for all bosses. Despite his health issue, Grupp remains optimistic about the future of his company and the industry as a whole.
Sources: 1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 2. American Psychiatric Association (APA) 3. World Health Organisation (WHO) 4. Mayo Clinic 5. British Journal of Psychiatry
- Wolfgang Grupp, a renowned German entrepreneur known for his contributions to science and business, has revealed a struggle with age-related mental health issues, specifically depression.
- Despite his successful career in health-and-wellness and finance sectors, Grupp has experienced personal challenges with aging, highlighting the crucial importance of addressing mental health, particularly in the context of maturity.
- As the former sole owner of Trigema, Grupp's story underscores the influence of businesses on individuals' mental wellbeing, and the need for comprehensive support to ensure the health and happiness of executives.
- In the spirit of men's health advocacy, it is crucial to shed light on age-related mental health concerns, and recognize the resources available from organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organisation, the Mayo Clinic, and the British Journal of Psychiatry.
