In 2016, there were 44,965 suicide deaths in the United States alone. This rate only continues to rise. There was a 24% rate increase from 1999 to 2014. Seems horrible when you think of it this way. Yet, it is still part of the culture today to 'joke' about suicide and mental illness.

We say, "they just need to get help." But how is one supposed to feel comfortable asking for help when nobody can take their feelings seriously.

It is our generations that rely on sayings like "I'm gonna kill myself," "I'm gonna shoot myself," or even telling others "kill yourself."

But, "it's only a joke."

Joke's on you. It isn't funny.

Since when is this okay? Even when mental illness is brought to the surface, people think you are weak or wanting attention. Having suffered from mental illness myself, my eyes have opened to see when one needs help, but I also take these 'jokes' much deeper to heart. It is not okay, and WE need to stop it.

Death should not be a light topic. Otherwise, how is anyone supposed to actually be able to tell when someone needs guidance and help? How are your teachers, friends, and family supposed to know if you are actually in trouble when everyone else just jokes about suicide? There should be distinct signs for one in distress, but when everyone is speaking like this, how will anyone know the ones that actually are in trouble?

Instead of joking about mental illness, why don't we reach out to help those in need? Sometimes it only takes a few kind words to save one's life. Eliminate the words suicide and death from your funny conversations, because for some people just hearing these words rushes back horrible ideas and feelings.

Suicide isn't the 'answer' to too much school work. Suicide isn't the 'answer' to being stressed. SUICIDE ISN'T AN ANSWER. But how do you expect sufferers to believe this when so many people say it is their answer to daily life issues?

People who get offended by this don't need to toughen up, they need to spread the reasons it isn't right.

You may not understand how harmful your "jokes" can be, but from one who suffers from mental illness, know this: it can be harmful and it is not funny or okay.

So the next time you want to laugh off when someone says they are going to kill themselves, ask them if they are okay. Tell them to not joke about death. Tell them they can come to you if they need it. Be a friend. Be a supporter.

Stop overlooking suicide. Start taking it seriously again.