Suicide prevention is crucial. Nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in 2023 in the United States alone. This makes it the 11th leading cause of death. Mental health is important. Reasons to Stay was a website created earlier this year by Ben West. The website is in memory of his brother Sam who died from suicide in 2018. It is a suicide prevention project. So far, it has delivered over two million letters to people all around the world. 87% of readers have reported feeling better after reading the caring letters. 988 is the national suicide hotline and is available to all at any time.
Ben West is a mental health campaigner. He is based out of the United Kingdom. West is an author and speaker and an advocate for suicide prevention. He created Reasons to Stay, a website where strangers can send encouraging and heartfelt letters to other strangers who might be struggling.
988 is another suicide prevention resource. 988 launched in the United States as a suicide hotline in 2022. Since debuting, the organization has received over 13 million calls and texts. The site is helpful and the effort that the volunteers and workers put in is incredible.
Be kind to each other, you never know what someone else is going through. Please talk to someone if you need help. It’s okay to not be okay. Remember that you are so loved and appreciated. If you are struggling, connect with one of the above resources. You can also reach out to a family member, a friend, a trusted adult, a teacher, 911, or another suicide hotline. You are never alone.
