She tried reaching out to people, she really did. She posted photographs on her Instagram of crooning lyrics that screamed for help. They were lyrics of distraught and loneliness, lyrics of fear and anger. Her mother smacked away her daughter's out stretched hand, telling her that she was merely going through a phase.

The darkness continued to close in on her as she lost contact with her friends and seemed to isolate herself from the world. To her, nobody needed her. She was invisible. She posted a goodbye post on social media, locked herself in her room, and tied the knot. Her mother claimed she did not see it coming.

He had ample friends, good grades, and a happy family. He worked a minimum wage job, which although provided him with less than sufficient income, he was an overall happy person. He was headed in a successful direction, until one day, smog seemed to follow him where ever he went. His grades began slipping and he slacked off at his job. His friends were relatively successful in lifting his spirits, but it never lasted for long. No one understood what he was going through. One day, his mother found him in a pool of his own blood and a note clenched in one hand.

In a sense, the stories are both true and false. Yes, I made them up, but such scenarios do happen. Suicide has become a major problem in the US; in the States alone, there is a suicide every 13 minutes. Depression is the number one cause of suicide. Suicide can happen to anyone, and the only way to prevent a suicide is to know the warning signs.

Those with suicide ideation (thinking about suicide) will often hint at it while speaking. Some will straight out mention killing themselves or question what others would do if they did kill them self. Many will say that they have no reason to live or that they feel they are a burden to others. Lastly, they will speak about feeling trapped or in severe pain.

Because it is often said that actions speak louder than words, many will often exhibit tell-tale behaviors. Increased substance abuse, recklessness and isolation are all forms of communicating to loved ones. A person may begin to search for means of suicide, sleep too much or too often, and become extremely aggressive.

They may also act depressed, anxious, humiliated, irritated and lose interest in once loved activities. Most prominently, people with suicide ideation will say goodbyes and give away prized possessions to loved ones.

This article is not meant to be used as a diagnostic, it is merely sharing important information. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, communicate with an adult you trust and get help. There is nothing wrong with reaching out for help. Although cliche, it is always darkest before the dawn.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)