Global suicide rates have increased 60 percent in the past 45 years and, on average, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds somewhere in the world.

I truly hate knowing these facts; they're heartbreaking and extremely disappointing to know that this many people feel unworthy to live.

The worst part is hearing about kids and teens taking their lives. We wonder if we led them astray, pushed too hard, didn't push at all, lacked conscientiousness ... where did we go wrong?

Suicide is so much different than other deaths. There’s this lingering feeling of regret and helplessness that we wish we could’ve acted on in the first place. It is absolutely preventable, and that’s what makes the situation hurt most.

Hearing about people taking their lives is devastating; the sadness of their future ripped away, their family heartbroken, and the never-ending guilt of not being more aware. For me, these feelings were very superficial and, honestly, shrug-worthy. But this past October, these feelings took a complete 180.

My classmate, first homecoming date, best friend's boyfriend, honorary class clown, and great friend throughout high school committed suicide.

My entire perspective on suicide changed drastically. The happiest and funniest guy I knew decided to end his life ... how the heck could we miss that, allow that, understand that?

Grieving was the worst. I have experienced death before, multiple times, but this was different. This death shouldn't have happened, especially by his own will. I didn't think I'd ever feel emotionally well again.

The questions after these heart shattering realities are: Where do we go from here? How do we bring out the best in this horrific situation? Where is the light in this darkness?

We move forward. We pray. We remember the good times and forget the incident, but aren't in denial, just simply try to break from dwelling in the sadness.

We attempt to find peace with the situation and reconcile anything we had with the one whose life has passed.

We do things in remembrance of them; we are not shaming them for their act or disregarding their dignity, they must have done good in the world and we should reflect on that for them.

Most importantly, we work to bring change. Suicide is preventable. If we had the ability to be there in their darkest moments, holding that gun or bottle of pills or ready to jump or hang, they would still be here.

But the reality is, we cannot always be there. That is why we work our asses off to promote kindness, authenticity, support, non-judgements, and hope.

Bringing the light means being a light.

We must think about the kind of people we are striving to be. Are we people that shove people down, or help them back up? Do we ignore other people's emotions, or ask how their day is going? Do we teach that bundling our emotions is healthy, or that sharing what's hurting inside is absolutely okay? Thinking about these aspects allows us to make daily changes that bring out the best in people.

Little acts of kindness or attempts at genuine support make all the difference to someone who is suffering on the inside.

Now every suicide is different. Maybe a person never felt shoved around or neglected, but was just mentally troubled and chose to keep it inside. This is where we have to be more aware; get out of our own minds and think about the other people we encounter every day.

We should always be assuring people that getting help is completely acceptable and beneficial. We should guide others and constantly remind the world that support is out there and we do our best to help, but those suffering must seek the support or express their hardships for us to know where to aid in healing.

We take the harsh realities of suicide, without sugar-coating, and turn it around to create change. If it's still happening, in fact if it's still growing, we have a tough road in front of us. But that is exactly why we come together as one, supportive system and be the lights in the midst of the heavy darkness.

Help is available. Support is there. Kindess is real.

Let's overcome the challenges that those who are suffering are facing, and show them that we are right beside them to get them through it.

Bring the light out of suicide. You are not alone.

If you feel you are in a crisis, whether or not you are thinking about killing yourself, please call the Lifeline. No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

100 Reasons to Live by "Active Minds" at the University of Portland: