With September coming to a close, I wanted to touch base on the importance of mental health. As you may know, September is national suicide prevention month. Considering this, it is important to remember that awareness should continue, despite September ending. It should never be put on the back burner because it is a never-ending issue. Mental health has no specific shade of color. It isn't always grey and blues, but perhaps it can be seen in even the brightest and happiest of people. For those suffering, the battle can seem ceaseless. This is why I want to raise light on the importance of keeping up with your friends.

Many of us go through rough patches in life. Some days are harder than others, but these battles are internal. People may be able to tell by your energy, tone of voice, or the look on your face. But no one truly knows what you are going through. In the same sense, comfort can be found in the fact that almost everyone had the feeling - the feeling of being alone.

These internal conflicts can often make people isolate themselves. They become distant to even those close to them, they appear standoffish, and short to talk to. On the contrary, even the people who appear happy outwardly can be struggling on the inside. They surround themselves with others to not feel alone. They smile, they laugh, but secretly go home and cry themselves to sleep. It can even be the person that is the helper, or the advice giver. They too can be hurting. They choose to put off their own emotions for the sake of others. They choose to ignore their demons in hopes that they will disappear.

No matter who you are, or what role you play as a friend the truth is, we are never alone. You are not a burden. You are not helpless. There is always someone who cares. Even the strongest of people can see the worst of days. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others, you can help them see the answers to the questions they had themselves.

Photo by Courtney Hull

Starting today, commit to being a better friend. Even if it doesn't work with your schedule. Reach out to friends old and new. Ask them how they reallyare or how they are feeling. Let others know how much they mean to you. Send a surprise text to brighten their day. Give them a weekly call to catch up. Once you start this, make it a habit. Make it a pattern. Do not let others slip away in their struggles on your behalf. Because you never know when it may be too late.

Although It may be easier to send a text or phone call - if you are blessed with the chance to sit down face to face with someone, do it. It is so important to engage in real human interaction. It allows you to be transparent, to read body language, to hold someone's hand, to offer a hug.

Friends are a staple for life - they become your family. You laugh, cry, and even argue with these people. No argument is worth ignoring someone in their time of need. It is better to be the one who cares than to have not cared at all. You allow these people to be in your life for a reason - don't let them slip away. Share experiences, make memories, and talk often. Make the most of your relationships, because they are more important than the material things in life.