In my what most would say my "short" 19 years of life, unfortunately, suicide has been a rather reoccurring thing. I personally have never had this thought, but people very close to me have, and it hurts almost as much to see them hurting this much as I know it did for them. Suicide is not and never will be something, to me, to be taken lightly.

To anyone who is reading this who has had the thought, has almost lost someone, or who has lost someone to suicide, I'm sorry, and it is not your fault. It took me a long time to realize this. I still struggle with losing one family member, a friend, and almost losing another very important person in my life to suicide. You want to blame and point fingers, but you truly have to think about the person and the feelings they must have been feeling/felt to take this action. And even if you are just reading this because it caught your eye, please continue to read. We as a society need to stop tip-toeing around this like it will just disappear, because it will not.

Dear reader,

I would first like to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you have been pushed down so many times that you feel like you just can't get up one more time. I'm sorry that you are even in a position of feeling like your life isn't worth living. Please continue to read this and take in every single word.

You are worthy, you are loved, and you can do this. I won't pretend to know what you're feeling, but I have seen firsthand the sadness of someone who is struggling to know their worth, and trust me, you are worthy and your life is worth living. Never forget that. You are worthy.

Dear family and friends,

It is not your fault. As long as it took me to learn this, I finally have, and it was the best thing that could have happened. Once you realize this, you can take the steps to helping your loved one that is struggling/has struggled with these thoughts. Don't forget that they're human too and just want to be treated as such. Remember, they aren't broken, just hurting, and sometimes they just need a reminder that they have someone on their side. To those of you who have lost someone, I am truly sorry, and I pray for your healing. But don't forget, it is OK to let go of your guilt.

I'd like to say thank you for taking the time to read this article. Whether you have struggled, currently are struggling, or have a loved one struggling, I know it's easier said that done, but try to keep moving forward, because in a world that seems to push down every time you try to stand back up, there is someone out there who needs you more than you know. You are worthy, you are loved, and you can do this.