I know it's hard. Sometimes life throws obstacles in your way that are too hard to overcome, and it's rough going through this alone. People can try to understand your depression, anxiety or whatever circumstance you're in...but it just doesn't seem like enough. It seems as if taking your life is the only way to escape the pain.

But let me tell you, that is not true.

I know you've heard about how much your friends and family care about you, but do you really understand? Because I didn't. I did not understand how much love people had for me until I was in the hospital bed. Until I tried to take my own life. The look on my mom's face as she came into the unit will be one that is permanently stamped in my memory; and one that I wish never existed. Nothing hurts more than watching your own mother, a person who raised you and loves you unconditionally, cry because the person who she dedicated her life to attempted to end it.

The hardest part was telling my friends, watching the terror on their face and hearing the concern in their voice. It took me almost taking my life to realize how important it was. It took a suicide attempt to realize and accept how valuable and loved I am by my friends and family. It took witnessing the fear these people had knowing that they could have lost me forever to realize that I am not just here for me, I am here for them.

I do not want this to happen to you. I do not want you to be that person in the hospital bed. I do not want you to be the one whose parents or guardians lose. I do not want you to be the person whose friends mourn. I do not want you to take your life because not only do you deserve to live, but others need you. Realize that you are someone's happiness...you are someone's everything.

I understand this is easier said than done, trust me. Hearing that people love you is great, but when a mental illness such as depression holds you back, it's hard to believe. But you do not want that time of realization of how important you are to be when it's too late.

I could be dead right now. I wouldn't be finishing my first year of college. I wouldn't be able to see my best friend graduate, I wouldn't be about to watch my cousin grow up. And, most importantly, I wouldn't be with the all of the people who love me.

So if you're thinking about taking your life, think again. The best way to overcome this feeling is to talk about it, reach out to someone. Because more people care than you think. People want you here, people need you here. Live your life knowing that you survived this, do not give in like I did. Because that suicide attempt will forever be my biggest regret. Talk about your feelings, because want to hear about them.

I'm not saying that this will solve everything, I'm fully aware that this feeling is one that may haunt me for the rest of my life. But, no amount of therapy, no amount of pills, will ever help as much as my friends and family have.

People love you. Let them love you, because you deserve it.

Sincerely,