How Can We Help in Putting a Stop to Suicide

In 2017, Maryland-based rapper, Logic, got one of the biggest songs of his career with 1-800-273-8255. That number is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Not one time was the number mentioned during the song, but the subject matter resonated with many who have lost loved ones due to suicide and possibly helped prevent someone from taking their own life.

I felt compelled to talk about this, as this past week saw a suicide attempt of singer Tamar Braxton, Nick Cannon speaking on contemplating suicide, and then losing a friend 24-year-old rapper Ryan Bowers to suicide within a couple of days.I don't think this subject is talked about enough and mental illness is talked about even less.

Going to the AFSB website, you can see the stats of suicides that have taken place every year, and you can't help but wonder what could've possibly been done to prevent them. We have all thought about it at one time or another. Are we good enough? Do we have what it takes? Why are people talking about me? What can I do to fit in? With me on a personal level, it's my belief in faith that I feel has helped me deal with the hard times and bounce back during dark moments.

1-800-273-8255 is a number you can call where there are people on standby to talk with you and hear you out. With the recent antics of Kanye West, he is a prime example of a person who needs to talk with someone. At times, celebrities feel like the weight of the world is on them. Most of the time it is, as many take on the responsibility of taking care of their families once they reach celebrity status. But how about the everyday person who has problems and doesn't know where to go? I urge you to make time for your friends and maybe even strangers, as we all need to have a source of people to talk with.

I ask the question of how can we help put a stop to suicide, because I honestly want to know. I don't have the answers, but I know we need to start somewhere. If you are reading this and feel like you have no out, trust me you do. Think about all of your loved ones, including family and friends who love you. You could be the next CEO of a Fortune 500 company or one day be the proud parent of a high school standout. There are many other alternatives that you have, and leaving this world should not be one of them.

Please call 1-800-273-8255 and talk with someone, and know your life is valuable. Let's also pay attention to our friends and family as well and urge them to talk about what is bothering them. We can all do our part to help combat a growing problem in the world.