September is here, and to correspond with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, a whole week is dedicated to spreading awareness of suicide, educating others about prevention and altering people about the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and tendencies. It also reduces the stigma surrounding the topic, as well as encourages people to both seek resources and support people who may have attempted suicide.

While all of this stuff is awesome to do, this is something that we should be doing every month. Why wait until September to show awareness? Show it every day! Be that friend who is there for someone who may need it the most, be kind to a stranger who may be having a bad day and/or post the number to the suicide hotline everywhere you go. Just be kind to one other; it is very needed, especially today.

Growing up, I didn't have many friends; being on the spectrum made that hard. There were times where I didn't want to be around anymore. I sometimes used to put on an act to let people know that I was okay, even though I wasn't deep down. I didn't even tell my own family that I was being bullied because I used to think it was all my fault. Sometimes I used to think that the world would be a better place if I wasn't there.

I'm here today. I'm engaged to a wonderful guy, attending university, going towards my dreams of writing and being a photographer, and I have amazing friends. I wouldn't have done all of that if I had taken my own life. Just know, guys, that you have so much to look forward to in life. A bad past does not have to mean a bad future. You have so much to live for.

Just know that you are not alone in this world and that there is always hope. If you or a friend are considering suicide, know the warning signs. Call for help, and be there for your friends. Just know that there is always hope out there.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Other helpful resources:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/hotline