National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual awareness week that spans from Sept. 6 to Sept. 11. This week hits home to me especially because I have been that low and have tried, succeeded and failed to bring others up. While the overall goal is to spread awareness of the epidemic of suicide and depression, it is also a week to learn about the signs of people going through mental illnesses. Understanding the behavior of those with suicidal thoughts and depression is just as important as stopping suicide in the act.

Suicide and depression come in countless forms, and are sometimes completely undetectable just by looking at someone. Warning signs of suicide and depression come in the way people talk and act, such as talking about death or hopelessness constantly, or being indifferent to partaking in dangerous situations or activities. Many people with these mental illnesses also feel like they are a burden to the ones they love.

I realize at this point I am making myself seem like an authority on mental illnesses, but in truth it is because it is something that I have had to overcome and have had many friends and family that have had to overcome it as well. From my own experience, I shut myself out completely from those I loved and spent my time dwelling on my purpose and the point of continuing to control what felt like was a sinking ship of a life. It wasn’t until I actually threatened to take myself out of this world that those around me even realized how bad it was. I am not blaming those around me though, because in all honesty I wanted as few people involved with me as possible.

The most common theme I have seen with those struggling through depression and suicidal thoughts is mindset of “No one will miss me when I am gone.” I can assure you that this is not true. With my own experience and others, the parents end up almost as deeply scarred as the person struggling. My own parents have been worrying that my own struggles will return and overcome me again even though I moved past that almost five years ago. I promise you, your loved ones will miss you every day until they themselves pass on.

I share my own experience to illustrate how difficult it can be to know if someone you love is suffering. No matter how unnecessary you think it is, always check up on how your friends and family are doing. It could literally be the difference between life and death for someone. Simply asking someone how their day was or letting them know that you are there and that you care could be enough for a person to step back from the brink.