"People who die from suicide don't want to end their life, they want to end their pain."

Every forty seconds, someone dies from suicide. Alone in their room, overdosing on their prescription medication, drinking more alcohol even though they've hit their limit, or sitting on a bridge debating whether or not to jump off, and losing the argument in their head. Feeling as though they had no one that cared enough about their death, they decided to prove themselves wrong by taking their own life. What they won't see is the many people that came out to their funeral; family, close friends, distant classmates, teachers, the list goes on forever. Each person wishing they had known or could have done more to help. If that's the case, then why did this person feel that permanently removing themselves from the equation of life was the only answer?

Unfortunately, in many cases, death by suicide is seen as cowardly or selfish; and the stigma that comes with mental health issues is enough to keep anyone silent. "Think of all the people that you would hurt if you were to do this." "Don't make a stupid decision." "You know, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." "You're just not praying hard enough." These statements are said far too many times to people who are already feeling horrible about the fact that they have suicidal thoughts. These remarks are insensitive, and they're less than helpful. To the person hearing these things, it seems as though they're being shut down and told to suck it up and deal with their feelings-- to push their suicidal thoughts to the back of their mind and never speak of them again.

The truth is, almost everyone is guilty of treating suicide as if it's something that should be kept a secret. We're almost taught to, with popular reality television and news shows displaying the same type of behavior. Just a few weeks ago, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was to be featured in the crowd on Good Morning America. Minutes away from their guest appearance, they were told to leave. Some people involved with the show felt as though talking about suicide would ruin everyone's mood first thing in the morning. That's the problem. The fact that talking about suicide, the warning signs, and how to help someone who has these thoughts would ruin the moods of viewers. Sure, it's not something that people enjoy talking about, but education is the key to prevention. Talking about tough subjects is the only way to make them less difficult to talk about in the future. And who knows? There might have been someone who needed to see that message; to feel validated and know that they're not alone in their struggle.

Depression already makes people feel lonely, helpless, and hopeless. Treating a side effect as serious as suicide as though it should be placed on the back burner only makes things worse. Suicide is completely and one hundred percent preventable. And in most cases, it can be prevented just by providing a listening ear to someone. All anyone wants is to know that they are appreciated and loved, and that although they might not be able to see it now, they do have a purpose. You never know the impact you may have on someone if you just take the time to talk about the tough stuff. You might be the only one that does.

If you or someone you know is suicidal:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) (Open 24 hours)