There is one death by suicide in the U.S. every 13 minutes, according to Suicide Awareness Voice of Education (SAVE). Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages.
BuzzFeed recently sat down with 7 people to talk about what it’s like to lose someone to suicide. They spoke about how they found out, the feelings of loss and heartache that ensue and what they’ve since learned about mental health.
“I think dialogue is the key,” Says Peta, who lost her daughter to suicide a year ago, in the video below. “I think conversation is the key. I think asking your friends if they’re OK and then listening is the key.”
Watch the full video below:
If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.
If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Melissa McGlensey is the former News Editor at The Mighty. Her writing can also be seen in Ms. Magazine, on the Ms.Magazine blog and in The Huffington Post’s Good News, Comedy and Impact sections. Melissa is also a New York City comedian who does sketch, improv and stand up. She is passionate about social justice, politics, Thai food, literature, disability rights and more. She is currently in a long-distance relationship with her cat, Sneakers, who lives in California. You can follow her on twitter at @OhHeyMeliss.
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