September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. This is for the 42,773 Americans that die by suicide each year, for the 800,000 people who die by suicide across the world each year.

Here are some things you need to know about Suicide, and how you can play a vital part.

There Is Always Hope

Suicide doesn’t have to happen.There are so many stories of people who struggle with various mental health issues or situations and feel like they didn’t want to live anymore, but reached out for help and are now living a fulfilling life. The important thing is that a person feels has a support system. I think we should all have a support system and should know the resources and what to look for in yourself and others.

Phrases like, “he killed himself” or “she committed suicide” are un-empathetic phrases that invalidate that person's feelings. Suicide is the result of an underlying mental illness and it is more empathetic to say that someone “died by suicide” than to make it sound like they took-part in a crime by using words like “killed” and “committed." Having an open mind and an open heart will make the process better for everyone. If someone confides in you about thoughts of suicide, then it is your job to help the person take the right steps. It probably took a lot of courage to reach out and confide in you. Please be patient and kind. If you feel you can't handle the conversation, then you should not dismiss it, and try to help the person find another resource. A campus counseling center, a lifeline, or another professional are great resources.

Suicide Is Not Selfish

I frequently hear, "Suicide is a selfish act." Really, it's an act of despair. If a person get to the point of actively planning to die by suicide, they have to be at a very low point. I have been at that low point before. Looking for an out to ease the mental pain. I thought i was being selfless, like i was going to do everyone a favor if i died. Luckily, I have an amazing support system that now helps me through these difficult times. Creating an accepting, open-minded community will help people that are struggling with thoughts of suicide feel more comfortable to reach out. You never know if the people around you are having thoughts of suicide. Be kind, always.

So, what should you do if a loved one talks about suicide?

Ask if he/she has a plan. Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide. Make your love for them known and help them create a safety plan.

• Be aware and learn the warning signs. Learning the signs puts you one step close to saving someones life. Often people who are struggling think that nobody around them cares about them or is interested in talking to them. If you know the warning signs then you will know when to intervene.
• Be willing to listen. Allow them to talk openly about their feelings.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, "Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of immediate concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event such as a sudden loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, through what they say and what they do."

Some things to look out for are talk about "feeling like a burden", isolation or withdrawal from usual activities, giving away possessions, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol. A person who is contemplating taking their life by suicide has lost all hope for themselves, is either very secretive or very expressive. A comment life "I'm gonna kill myself." Should always be addressed and taken seriously. People often joke about suicide, but it is of most important to learn and educate so you know how and when to intervene.

It’s important to remember that suicide is preventable and the conditions that contribute to suicide, like depression, are treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK. For more information on Suicide Prevention go to afsp.org. To find resources in your area, go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.