To the beautiful human being who no longer wants to feel the pain you have been feeling, please do not choose to end the precious, meaningful life you have been given. You may not see life as that right now, but if you listen to why I want you to stay, you may think otherwise.

You may think people won't care if you pull that trigger or take those pills, but I do, and so do many other strangers who see or hear about your story. Nothing makes me more upset than hearing a loved one, or a stranger, who has decided to end their life. It has become too common and I do not want you to feel like you must do that to escape the pain and overwhelming feelings you are experiencing.

In fact,

I don't want you to.

Your parents don't want you to.

Your siblings don't want you to.

Your friends don't want you to.

Your teachers and classmates don't want you to.

Your co-workers don’t want you to.

Your significant others don't want you to.

Your children don't want you to.

Your animals don't want you to.

I can't imagine the exact pain you have experienced, whether that be suffering from depression, loneliness, rejection, abuse, addiction, helplessness, and the list could on.

But, I can say I have experienced my own kind of pain and darkness that has kept me up late at night, questioning everything. I do know what it is like to be unhappy, especially when you lose control over your emotions and feelings. I know what is it like to feel like you must be a perfectionist to feel adequate or make those around you happy. I know what it is like to continuously cry. I know what rejection feels like and how that rejection can mentally tear you apart.

I also know because of the pain you have felt, you may have had many thoughts of ending your life, or have even tried, but I am so incredibly happy that you haven’t attempted, or have even failed. I really am.

So, before you consider it again, or are considering to make the brave, scary decision, I want to tell you why I want you to choose to stay.

I want you to stay because even if it feels like you are alone, you are never alone. There are so many people and resources to help you get through whatever it is you are going through. They want to help you overcome this demon you are fighting; so, reach out and do not stop getting help. I know it can be hard and cause you to be vulnerable, but do not be afraid to tell someone what is going on in your life. Call a family member, friend, doctor, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

I want you to stay because people, even the ones you think don’t care, love and care for you. It may be hard for you to see that right now because you are very down. They do not want to see you sad, let alone, end your life due to the sadness you have been feeling. They want to help you get better and live a happier, healthier life, so they don’t have to experience life without you.

I want you to stay because you have so much more to offer to this world; you are full of talents that we would miss out on. You have a future waiting for you and I hope you choose to get there. You have too much to live for. You will find happiness and you will no longer have dark thoughts. You will meet amazing people and live a life you want.

I want you to stay because there are people waiting to meet someone just like YOU. You are strong, smart, courageous, and those are just some of the characteristics that make you beautiful.

I want you to stay because your experiences and strength could help someone overcome something in their life. Not only could you help someone, but think about the lives you have already affected by being you.

I want you to stay because your pain will end. It always does.

Lastly, I want you stay because no one could ever replace you.