Suicide is a taboo subject, but when 94 people commit suicide everyday in the US, it's a neccesary conversation to have.

Since this statistic is so high, it is likely that you or someone you know may have attempted or committed suicide. Each year the rate at which we lose veterans and college students, those most likely to commit suicide, increases exponentially. I'm writing this article in a attempt to equip you with the tools you need to help someone that is contemplating suicide.

Why would my loved one commit or attempt suicide?

Individuals who contemplate suicide are not damaged or insane. Usually these very normal people are experiencing symptoms of depression onset by long-term exposure to high stress environments. Those that commit suicide are not selfish, they are suffering in their current situation and do not see another way out. Most importantly, these persons think that they are completely alone in their suffering. They feel that no one understands them or that they do not want to bother other people with their feelings.

But there's hope.

Suicide can be prevented when we educate ourselves on the warning signs, learn what needs to be done in a crisis, and share this information with those around us.

Warning Signs

1. The person explicitly says they are going to kill themselves

2. Withdrawing from group activities

3. Isolating themselves in their room

4. Not eating

5. Not sleeping

6. Actively researching ways to commit suicide

The signs are subtle and in many cases, friends and family miss these signs which results in their blaming themselves later on. Always remember that you cannot blame yourself for not knowing, you are not a trained mental health professional and we don't live in a society that discusses this issue.

If you are interested in being the change that you want to see in the world then share this article, and more importantly go to take5tosavelives.org to share the warning signs and links for your friends and family to get help. If you have lost a loved one to suicide and are seeking help with sorting through the complex feelings associated with please visit The Alliance of Hope. If you, or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, open 24 hours everyday at 1-800-273-8255.