Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment. (NAMI)

80% -90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication. (TADS study)

An estimated quarter million people each year become suicide survivors (AAS).

There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts. (CDC)

There is one suicide for every estimated 4 suicide attempts in the elderly. (CDC)

I was recently diagnosed with anxiety and depression but have battled it my entire life. At the age of 12, I attempted suicide, and have had recurring episodes of suicidal thoughts since. I also battle symptoms of anxiety and have suffered multiple panic attacks. It can be crippling and you almost feel as if you can’t discuss it.

Most sick days I’ve ever called out of work have been mental health days.

Yet, it’s not yet globally accepted to use a sick day for your mental health.

One thing people don’t know about me is I suffer with social anxiety. In public places, I hate calling attention to myself. And if I have to address groups of people it makes me anxious. I believe I have always suffered this since I was young but started noticing it while in college which makes sense because I actually had a lot of people emotionally abuse me and socially reject me in some sense while I attended school there.

We should end the stigma.

Every purchase of this backpack will benefit Project Semicolon which is a great cause that uses a semi colon to show that your story has not come to an end…you can keep fighting.
We have to help people everywhere understand that help is available, mental health is vital for well-being, and suicide is never the answer.

You can purchase a backpack here and 100% of profit goes to Project Semicolon.

I am also running a Facebookfundraiser that you can donate to and all money raised will be donated by Facebook to Project Semicolon.