Let me start by saying that this is a sensitive subject and any ideas in this article that may appear hurtful or offensive are entirely accidental.

That being said, suicide is an issue that many people tend to avoid, yet it's becoming an epidemic in today's society. Suicide needs to be talked about.

When someone falls victim to suicide, society often says, "I just don't understand why. How could he/she do this to their family? Why didn't he/she ask for help?" The truth is, we don't know. When a person decides to commit to a suicide plan, it's often spontaneous and that person themselves cannot even fully understand. If you knew the hurt it would cause everyone, would you still do it? Probably not, but the thing is — suicide doesn't let its victims think logically about their family or their future. It's a radical and horrible monster that can catch anyone in its tracks.

Those people who always seem so willing to help others and always so warm and happy are often the ones who become victims of suicide. The ones you would least expect.

That being said, it's extremely important and basically top priority to be kind to everyone. You never know how someone is feeling and words CAN hurt and have led to suicide more times than they should've (and even one time is too much). Now, that's not to say you can always predict or prevent suicide, but we should do everything in our power to support and be kind to everyone before it gets that far. That's also definitely not to say that if someone you know falls victim to suicide, you are at fault. Unfortunately when one falls victim to suicide, it has an effect on many people. If your loved one has been taken by suicide, remember you couldn't have prevented it. You didn't know. As long as you did your best to love and care for that person to the best of your ability, you are not at fault.

Lastly, victims of suicide are not at fault. Suicide is a fatal solution to a temporary problem (yes, depression is not temporary, but usually suicide is planned on several recent events that are still fresh in someone's head). Suicide is a disease that is sweeping the nation by storm and in turn, taking beautiful and wonderful people with it. Mental illness needs to be recognized more. Suicide and depression should not happen, yet they still do. We need to be aware of the problems and know the best way to help those who may be suffering before it gets to this point.

And one last thing, if you do need help. Don't be ashamed to ask for it. There ARE people who care. I know this because I care about you. You matter. It's never too late. You are loved and life is beautiful.

Also, don't forget — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is offering help at..1 (800) 273-8255