You are so incredibly important--this fact can never be stressed enough. Your ideas, your contributions, and your life are beyond valuable. There are certainly more than five reasons why you and your life matter, but hopefully these little reminders will serve as a constant driving force to continue on. When times get tough, and you start to question your value, I pray you think about each of these statements and that they prove to you that your life is worth living.

1. Your parents love you with their whole heart.

The second you were brought into this world their lives were filled with a joy that cannot be replicated by anything else. Your parents cared for you throughout your whole life and continue to love and support you. It's no exaggeration that their entire life revolves around you and without you, a huge part of them would be gone forever.

2. You are a role model.

You don't see how much of an impact you have on those around you. Every single day of your life people notice you, whether you see it or not. Your siblings and friends see you as an inspiration, and young boys and girls look up to you, even if you've never spoken a word to them. These people idolize your best attributes and aspire to be just like you.

3. You are stronger than your weaknesses.

You've been through so much, but you've survived every other hardship in your life. You've made mistakes, learned from them, and persevered. You are not weak, and you are not your flaws, your mistakes, or your mental illness. Rather, who you are is determined by how you overcome the obstacles presented to you. You are capable of fighting any battle, but remember you do not always have to fight it alone.

4. Your future awaits you.

You have so much potential to be wonderful. You can still dream, work hard, and achieve things you don't think are even possible. You can't change your past, but you have the power to shape your future. Your life is not planned out and carved in stone, and the best things in life are always unexpected. Don't give up; you'll make friends, get a job, find love, and your heavy heart will heal. You just have to give it a chance.

5. You are a child of God.

Most importantly, you were fearfully and wonderfully made. God chose you to be his own, and he is watching over you every day. He promises to take care of you, love you, and never to give you anything you can't handle. He knows you are tough and urges you to stay faithful to him, and He will deliver you. There is a special place in heaven prepared for you and Jesus will take you to be with him when the time is right.

You matter. You will overcome your burdens and find happiness; it just takes time. Please never forget that you are not alone. Reach out, help out, and spread love whenever and wherever you can.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours every day