This is a post from 2 years ago but it still rings true today. We never know what someone is going through so please #bekind. It doesn't cost anything and it could save a life! #suicidepreventionseverydaynotjustamonth I am one of the many faces of those suffering with mental illness. I've tried to commit suicide once and have planned a suicide twice, 10 days before this picture was taken (May 2014) and 5 weeks ago. Today I am thankful that I didn't go through with it but, unfortunately, the ladies that I am looking at did. I could've been Titi Branch (top), Simone Battle (middle) or Karen Washington (bottom). Mental illness Is real and we've GOT to do better as a society! If I had a dollar for every time I was told that it's just in my head or I am just lazy or we all feel down sometimes just get over it, I'd be rich and/or dead. Please show the same level of patience and compassion that you show for someone diagnosed with MS, lupus, cancer or ALS. Your empathy and non judgmental acts could save a life. If you are struggling with any mental illness, please get help. You are not alone. You are not damaged goods. You are not crazy. Your brain is just a little different 😌 Find a therapist and/or free support group. Call a family member or friend that WON'T judge or belittle you. Before you take your life just imagine how things could change the second after you leave. We NEVER know what's on the other side of a moment so please, I'm begging you, hold on! Try to quiet the nasty, vile bitch that's in your head. Trust me, I know her well. Once I stopped listening to that evil, hateful voice in my head AND those evil, judgmental, uncompassionate so called friends and family, I began to search for help. I still battle daily for my sanity. Some minutes, days, weeks and months are better than others but once I realized that I have to treat myself the way I treat others with mental illness I began to forgive myself a little, be more patient with me and love myself more. I've also decided to stand for these 3 beautiful fallen souls as well as the countless others who could no longer stand for themselves. I'm Stayce Holte and I have bipolar disorder but it doesn't have me!