I fight for Suicide Prevention because of my own struggle with Depression, Self Injury and Suicidal Thoughts. I fight for Suicide Prevention because there are people in my life whom I love deeply and they live bravely  with their own Mental Health conditions. We have seen the brink of death, and we are lucky enough to still be here. I fight because that means something. I fight because this second chance at life is so important to me, and I know that important things must be done.

I fight because of seen the pain in the eyes of my friends who have lost someone they love to suicide. To honor the memory of those who have been lost, I fight. And I fight for Suicide Prevention so that no family, friend or lover ever has to feel the pain of losing by suicide.

After my first attempt, I was told I was weak.
I was told that more was expected from me than this.
But there were people who challenged those words, who stood with me in my pain and helped me to see my strength. To see my illness for what it is and not a character flaw.
There were people who were my lifelines during that time keeping me from the brink of death. There were people who believed that things would get better. People who helped me to realize the warrior spirit within me.

And so because others have done that for me… I fight to be able to be that person for someone else who is struggling. As a Mental Health Counselor I aim to be on the front lines and making a difference for those who are in the deepest emotional and mental pain.

If I can make a difference for just one person, and help them to find the strength to live another day, it will all be worth it.