September 10^th is World Suicide Prevention Day, and people around the globe will be working together to raise awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, over 800,000 people die by suicide every single year. 800,000 people. That number is excessively high, and it is going to take the power of the entire globe for us to lower that number until the wonderful day arrives that 0 people will die by suicide every year.

One of the best ways and most effective ways to make a difference in lowering the suicide statistic is to simply save the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline into your phone. The hotline is available 24/7 and anyone calling will be immediately connected to a trained counselor who will “help you find a reason to keep living” (suicidepreventionlifeline.org). If you are ever feeling like you need someone to talk to or you believe a friend could benefit from speaking to someone on the Lifeline, then please, please dial the number for yourself or help a friend to make the call. The call is free, as well as confidential.

Before reading on, please save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number: 1-800-273-8255. It could save your life, or the life of a loved one.

It is important that we do our best to destroy the stigma associated with mental illness. It is okay to talk about your anxiety, your depression, or any other mental illness you are facing. It is more than okay, actually- it is necessary. It is okay to ask for help and if you’re feeling like you need to speak to a doctor or professional mental health counselor, then you should. Just as you should encourage your friends to do the same. Having a mental illness does not make you any less deserving of care and treatment than any other person on this earth. You are still important, you still matter, and you are most definitely still loved. You are not your diagnosis.

If you’d like to get involved in suicide prevention and awareness, here’s a few things you can do:

1.Take the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s pledge to “let people know that you’re comfortable talking about mental health.”

2. Volunteer to help out at a local American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Chapter near your home or university. Just follow the link that will take you to the AFSP directory of chapters in your community.

3. Read about the “And So I Kept Living” Movement on the blog at To Write Love on Her Arms and learn how five words became the basis of an empowering campaign to raise awareness and proceeds for suicide prevention. After learning about the movement, take the time to read Matt Haig’s inspiring book, "Reasons to Stay Alive."

4. Take 5 minutes out of your day to participate in the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign. The National Council for Suicide Prevention founded the campaign that is dedicated to helping you “learn the warning signs of suicide, join the movement, spread the word, support a friend, and reach out.”

5. Team up with other members in your community and participate in an Out of the Darkness Walk.

I hope after reading this you too feel moved to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Thank you for joining the fight!