There’s a large population that says of mental health, “Make sure you ask for help. It’s ok to ask for help. Reach out if you need it.”

The majority of this population thinks of someone who needs professional help as someone who has suffered severe abuse or had experienced a traumatic incident, not an average individual who lacks the outward signs you would expect. There’s a small number of this group who have a grasp on mental illness, who know what it looks like, and what “asking for help” really is.

Of that small number – there is an even smaller number of people who truly understand mental illness to the point where they will help you find a therapist, even call to make the appointment or help you figure out your insurance – these are an enormous undertaking for someone who is struggling with mental illness. They listen to you talk about your medication and side effects as you find something that works for you (again, a huge source of anxiety for someone who is already suffering), brainstorm with you, help you find time for self-care and find tangible ways to support and help.

It’s a small number. Be in that small number. Be that person, because that person saves lives.

Suicides don’t happen merely because an individual gets sad and just decides to take their life. Suicides often happen because cries for help go unheard; “Why didn’t they just ask for help?” – they did and we didn’t know how to listen.

Suicides often happen because we put mental health in a box, because as a society we are still uncomfortable talking about therapy or medication even though those two things combined prove the greatest chance of success and healing for individuals.

Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s talk in a real way, not a vague, polished “Take care of yourself” way.