Suicide is a taboo topic, one that is easy to shy away from. It’s a heavy conversation to have, especially since so many people have been touched by suicide in some way. According to the CDC, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10-34.

The more we talk about this global issue, the more we break the stigma and show others they are not alone. Being open about mental health can help those who are suffering feel more inclined to speak up and ask for help. It can feel impossible, but remember: asking for help is a sign of strength. 

Our partner, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has offered help and hope to those suffering for over 40 years, with hotlines, resources, and community outreach. NAMI also supports key research and education on mental health, helping build public awareness for this widespread issue. To offer your support, you can shop our collection in partnership with NAMI here. 

LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and suicide. Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers, and transgender people are 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. Having specialized resources tailored to their needs is so important, which is why we’re proud to partner with the Trevor Project as they provide life-affirming services to LGBTQ young people, including support on-line, in person, over the phone, and via text. Just last year, The Trevor Project was able to provide help for an additional 150,000 people thanks to partner donations. If you would like to join in their mission, you can shop our collection in partnership with The Trevor Project here.

There are many ways to support those who might be struggling with mental illness or thoughts of suicide on a personal level. Here are just a few:

• Reach out and offer support. Sometimes, it’s enough to show that you care and to listen to their perspective. 

• Talk about it. Practicing compassion around mental health opens doors for those who are struggling. The more we talk about it, the more comfortable someone might be to share how they are feeling and seek help. 
• Communicate hope. Sharing your own personal experiences can help others know that they are not alone, and offer a ray of hope that things do get better. 

By practicing compassion and understanding, we can save lives and break down the stigma a little more each day. You never know what someone is going through, but we can come a little closer by reaching out to those around us and starting the conversation.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.

The TrevorLifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service provided by The Trevor Project that is available 24/7/365. They can be reached at 1-866-488-7386 or digitally through TrevorChat or TrevorText.