Suicide and depression. Two words that everybody seems to avoid talking about unless it involves a joking tone to it. People understand how serious the words are but are too afraid ever bring it up. Why is that?

This morning as I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I stumbled across an article published by ESPN on the loss of a student, Madison Holleran, at UPenn and her suicidal death. Go back to a few weeks ago and I saw a few friends of mine post about the loss of their friend who attended the same university as me. His death was also suicide related. Now go all the way back to my sophomore year of high school and waking up one morning to my friends posting about the loss of our friend Braxton Knight due to suicide.

Why do we have such a hard time talking about something when the majority of the people I know have dealt with depression at some point in their lives and possibly had thoughts of suicide?

I understand it's not everyone's go to topic to talk about at parties or the prime conversation starter for meeting new people but that doesn't mean it should be ignored completely. Trust me, from someone that's had an on and off again relationship with depression, it's not exactly comforting knowing I can't talk about it with anybody.

And that's exactly the issue, sometimes people, even myself, forget how serious depression can be and the outcome it can lead to if people choose to ignore it. We all become too consumed with school, work, and other things that we don't notice the small signs of help that our friends and loved ones are trying to show us. I know it's easy to make excuses and say things like, “Well, if they really needed help they would let me know” and other sentences along those lines but ask anybody with depression, no one's going to scream and shout that they need help. Not because they truly believe they don't need it but because they don't want to be a burden on you, they don't want to be another thing you have to add to do list of things you have to take care of. But some will be brave enough to ask for help and it's our job to help and not categorize them as “attention-seeking” or being “dramatic”.

Having the ability to talk to your friend, loved one, or etc. about their depression and reassuring them that you're willing to listen and be there is one of the greatest things you could do. When my friends noticed a change in me last year and talked to me about my depression and my suicidal thoughts, it made me less afraid to admit I needed help and gave me a reassuring comfort knowing that they cared and willing to help me along the way.

Don't be afraid to bring it up to someone if you're genuinely worried. Don't be afraid to suggest therapy to them and even offering to take them. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're feeling depressed or suicidal, there's no such thing as being weak or pathetic for trying to bring yourself up.

And I promise to you all that there is someone out there who is willing to listen. I'm willing to listen. Please don't leave anyone wondering what they could have done to save you because I know once you leave your pain ends but it won't end your loved ones. I understand how it feels to hit rock bottom, to feel as if your world is falling apart all around you but I promise life's not always going to be hard on you. Life's not always going to beat you down and make you feel so alone, it's going to bring you amazing people who will bring you irreplaceable memories. It's going to bring you 'laughing so hard you can feel abs forming' moments but I can't promise that it won't bring you moments when you can't stop crying in the shower. It's going to be a constant roller coaster of high's and low's but I know you're stronger than you think. You are all stronger than you think.

So, here's to you Madison, you seemed like such an amazing and beautiful girl. I am so sorry for the depression you went through. Your family and friends will be in my prayers and my heart goes out to them and to Penn State.

Here's to you Braxton, I still get a sudden sadness knowing I can't call you like I used to or when my birthday comes around knowing you made 'the worst birthday of my life' so much better. You'll always be remembered.

Here's to everybody else who has loss their lives to depression, I could only imagine the darkness you had to face and it's a tragedy to have loss any of you.

And finally, here's to all the people who have lost someone to suicide. My heart goes out to you because it's not an easy loss. I hope you never have blamed yourselves because depression is one hell of a disease.