"Theres things you need to hear so please turn off your tears and listen..."

So I recently found out that a 7Th grader at the middle school I attended back in the day committed suicide. I really didn't know how to respond to this very sad and unfortunate news. My first thought was a 7Th grader? That seems so young! I couldn't believe that had happened at such a young age but, once I thought about it more I began to reflect on my middle school experience. Lets just say it was the worst 3 years of my life. That doesn't mean that I ever considered suicide as an option but it made me think about the way we treat others. I mean if a 7Th grader thinks there world is so bad that suicide is the best option how telling of our world is that?

For me this is an issue that personally hits home. One of the closest people in my life since birth has struggled with depression and suicidal tendencies. I just want everybody to know that no matter how bad life gets or what happens to you there are always better days ahead. I think the world needs to slow down and look at the way we treat those around us because you never know if someone you come in contact with is having a bad day or even considering suicide.

I decided to look up so facts on suicide and shockingly here's what I found: Over one million people commit suicide every year, making it the tenth-leading cause of death worldwide. It is a leading cause of death among teenagers and adults under 35. There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year worldwide.

I really couldn't believe that these numbers were correct. Really a million people every year commit suicide? I realized that I have known or been connected to at least 10 people who have committed suicide, some good friends actually. *Note: I am only 18! and I have known dozens more who have struggled with depression or attempted suicide in there life time.

I pray that every can make it through the rain to see the rainbow. I pray for all those who are struggling. You are not alone it's actually likely that someone you know has the same feeling. I promise there are better days ahead! I pray that everyone in the world will stop racing through life and will help to care for those around us. Please treat others with respect! If you need help or know someone who needs help there are tons of resources out there!

Just to name a few I really support:
-To write love on her arms: http://www.twloha.com/
-Suicide hot line: 1800-suicide or http://suicidehotlines.com/
or get in contact with an adult you trust!
-Save More Facts: http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=705d5df4-055b-f1ec-3f66462866fcb4e6
As you go about your days I am urging you to look at the way you treat others and try to treat everyone with respect!

Thanks all! Love you-D