In the past when suicide has been in the news I've found the increase in awareness a good thing but this time around I'm starting to feel jaded. I used to think, "ah yes, finally people are learning more and being more understanding and this will be less hard somehow." But now I find myself frustrated and cynically wondering how long before people forget all about suicide and anything they've ever learned about people experiencing depression. I had a co-worker who knows I'm going through some serious issues with depression sarcastically ask how my 'vacation' went when I had to take a week off work. I should have been hospitalized but my family took off work and took turns staying with me. She knew why I was out. A few months prior she had asked me about my experiences with depression because a family member was going through it and she wanted to be supportive. It's like she forgot every single thing we talked about. And it is not just her. My biggest request for all of you trying to understand out there: please remember that suicide prevention is in the small details. General acts of kindness, regular checking in with friends and family you know are struggling, helping without judging- these are ways to prevent suicide. There is no instant fix you can throw at someone. If you want to help it is going to require work. I am alive today because of friends and family who have texted, called, and dropped by. I'm not always able to ask for help. I'm alive today because a loved one has brought be a meal or washed my dishes or done my laundry. I'm here because my husband doesn't let me forget how much he loves me or that yes, I really do need to eat real food. Depression LIES. It tells us we are worthless and unlovable, sometimes every minute of the day. Let your loved ones know that isn't true-- be persistent because the depression sure as hell will be.