Disclaimer: What I have chosen to write about includes the topics of depression and suicide. I understand that this can trigger many feelings and/or memories among some readers. So if you don't think you can handle reading about this topic, feel free to stop here. For those who feel they can handle this topic, please keep reading.

"The world needs you here," is the famed slogan of the mental health awareness group, Active Minds. Mental health issues are so prevalent and common in our society, yet we act as if they pretty much don't exist. Many who are suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, OCD, anxiety, etc tend to keep mum for fears of being judged or labeled.

This couldn't be farther from the solution.

What those suffering out there need is support, love, and comfort in these dark times. Even if it's hard to reach out, people with mental health issues should at least take baby steps in getting the help they need.

Unfortunately, sometimes it's just too late.

I am 21 years old and know of far too many people in my age cohort who have attempted/committed suicide, are depressed, or suffer from extreme anxiety. It downright breaks my heart. This is the time of our lives where we should be our happiest. We are so, so young and have so much life to live.

Even if times get dark, it won't last forever. Good things indeed happen eventually. There's always a rainbow after a storm. And what's even worse is that no matter how much you want to help these people, sometimes you just can't. Some problems are just too complex to solve through a hug or comforting words.

Society has put so many expectations, obstacles, and stress on us teens/young adults. Social media hasn't exactly helped with this either. We feel like we need to have our lives figured out right now or else we're failures. If we see someone who appears to be "better" than us in any way, we become jealous and angry with ourselves for not being like they are. I'll admit, I have felt completely shitty at times after seeing Instagram posts of people who seem to have way more amazing lives than I do. It's natural to feel jealous. But to let that affect you to the point that you don't want to even live anymore is heartbreaking.

Social media only shows highlights, if that, and is simply a fabricated version of reality. Along with this are the pressures of excel. We are told at the time we start school that we need to get excellent grades, then go to an excellent college, get internships, maintain our physical appearance, have tons of friends, get a great job, make a lot of money, get married, have children, buy a large house, etc. This is just so much for someone who's 18 or 21 to have to think about, especially at a time where so much of the future is uncertain.

All of these factors and more can contribute heavily to depression and suicidal thoughts. It is a reality that so many people, particularly the very young, face every day. What we all tend to forget is that everyone has struggles that they have to face in their life, and they can hide it well. That's the scary part,

They can hide it well.

You could be walking past someone who looks so happy and put together but little do you know they're breaking inside. That girl you sit next to in class who always offers you a pencil? She could be severely depressed. That boy who's just so happy all the time surrounded by tons of friends could have cried himself to sleep last night. And worst of all, you just would never know.

Because of this unawareness, if someone goes ahead and takes their own life, it can leave everyone who knew them in absolute shock and grief. Guilt is also a very common emotion to feel after learning of someone's suicide. One could be thinking that if only they had done ____ or had asked that person if they were ok, then maybe they would still be here. But no one is to blame in this situation. Not the person who has died or those who knew them. Here is what I want everyone who is suffering out there to remember:

The world needs you here.

Even if you feel like no one loves you or wants you around, you honestly don't know just how many lives you have actually touched and how much of an impact you have had.

The world needs you here.

Focus on your education, no matter how tough it can be at times. You have a huge possibility of changing the world one day. It will all pay off, I promise.

The world needs you here.

Think of all those who do love you and care for you, and imagine just how much it would destroy them if you were gone.

The world needs you here.

When life feels unbearable, remember that there's so much world out there to explore, foods to eat, people to meet.

The world needs you here.

You never know what tomorrow could bring. You could meet your best friend, the love of your life, find your dream job. Never stop holding onto hope.

The world needs you here.

Help is easier to get than you think, and those who are willing to help you will never judge you. There are so many resources out there that are very accessible and confidential.

The world needs you here.

You were put on this Earth for a reason, and you may not know what it is yet, but I promise you-you have a purpose. Your life has a purpose. Even if you don't see it right now.

The world needs you here.

Because you are too important and amazing to become one more statistic. One more name to add to the ever-growing list of people who "just could not be helped."

Life can be very overwhelming, and at times you can feel like it's all too much. But please, think about all you have accomplished and all that is possible. Nothing lasts forever. These dark times will pass. You can get through this. Take it day by day.

I know that I personally can't fully understand the mindset of someone who is depressed or suicidal, but from what I have witnessed throughout my life, I feel that all I can do is just offer these words of comfort. All you can really do is be there for that person and guide them to any resources available.

Help is always available, even if it seems like it isn't I promise that it is. Don't ever think twice about how special you are or your purpose on this Earth. Your life is a valuable gift. You are a valuable member of society and those who make you feel worthless aren't worth your time or thought.

You deserve to be here. It is your right to live a full, amazing life.

Hang in there.

For those who may need it, here is the information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call-1-800-273-8255, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.