Friend,

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. Having just lost a close family member to suicide, this is a subject that is of critical importance to me, and I feel it is important to use my platform to share my experience and raise awareness around the growing mental health crisis in this country.

In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died by suicide, and we know this number is growing in almost every segment of the population. Mental health issues have no boundaries.

Every one of these people left behind grieving partners and spouses, parents and children, friends and relatives. Every community has been touched in some way by these events.

I am one of those people who has lost a loved one. I don’t want anyone else to experience that.

Friend, we need to build a future where there’s no more stigma in talking about suicide. Imagine a world where people feel no more shame over seeking mental health treatment than they would feel for seeking treatment for any other disease or medical condition. Imagine a world where mental health insurance coverage was the same as physical health coverage.

If you are concerned that someone in your life is suicidal, don’t wait. Call them, go see them, encourage non-judgmental conversation about their issues. Give them the national suicide prevention lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK. Please, don’t wait.

To anyone out there who is struggling, I'm urging you to reach out. There are people who love you and who will suffer more than you know if they lose you. Help is available 24/7 through the national suicide prevention lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK.

Together, we can prevent suicide and end the stigma.

Sincerely,
Susan Wild