Mental Health Awareness Month, also referred to as “Mental Health Month,” has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The issue of mental health illness has always been a private and contained conversation,but the topic has become more prolific in recent years.

Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, and 260 million suffer from anxiety disorders. Moreover, many individuals live with both conditions. With 90% of suicide victims having mental illnesses, I think it is about time we open up the conversation to some deliberation, over the sensitive subject of suicide.

Twenty percent of 13-18 year olds live with a mental health condition. Whether this is the result of genetics, a traumatizing experience, stress, or bullying – the possibilities for mental illness is a very real and threatening reality.

“Mental Health America takes a unique approach to policy. MHA believes policy should ask people what they need to live the lives they want, and support them in getting there. Recovery is founded on the principle that people can take on meaningful roles in the community in spite of mental health challenges, when they receive the support they need” says Mental Health America (MHA). MHA’s Regional Policy Council (RPC) works with seven of our most knowledgeable affiliate public policy or executive directors across 7 regions in the country.

In the news recently is the tragic story of Avicii’s death. The alleged suicide proves the desperate need to talk about mental health and its horrific consequences.

On April 20th, Swedish EDM DJ Avicii died at the age of 28. The Grammy nominated electronic dance musician was found dead last week in Muscat, Oman at the age of 28.The family released a statement about their late son, saying he was a “fragile artistic soul.”

“Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An overachieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music.”

Although it is unclear if his death has been ruled a suicide, his family’s statement implies that Avicii was dealing with mental health issues.

Furthermore, let us not forget the tragedy and loss of the Linkin Park Frontman who died this past July by suicide. A month before his death, Bennington told his friend, guitarist Ryan Shuck, that he had been sober for only six months, says Rolling Stone. When Shuck told him that he was struggling as well, Bennington sent him text messages in support of his friend.

“He was describing an hour-by-hour battle with addiction,” Shuck said. “When I look at it now, it’s horrifying. He was telling me, down to the detail, what he would do in the first hour he wanted to drink: ‘I basically just take it hour-by-hour every day.'”

Earlier this year, the youtuber Logan Paul uploaded a video whilst in Aokigahara, although it is more commonly known as Suicide Forest. Suicide forest is known as one of the world’s most prevalent suicide sites.

Following the video’s release, backlash against Logan Paul erupted, as the majority of Paul’s audience are children. In the attempt to justify his actions, Paul stated “I think parents should be monitoring what their children are watching more. Every parent I meet whose kids are under the age of 12, I go, ‘Hey, you let your kids watch my stuff?’ And they go, ‘Yeah. What am I going to do?’ But at the same time, it’s not like I am a bad guy. I am a good guy who made a bad decision.”

Suicide is not a joke, nor should it be a source of entertainment. However, it is a conversation that needs to be had. The only way to prevent more tragedies such as the man Paul recorded, Bennington, or Avicii, is to raise awareness to this problem, and offer those who are suffering a space to be hear, and heal.

Selena Gomez has been the driving force behind the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, a show that followed the events leading up to a high school student’s suicide. Although the show sparked controversy as it contained many possible triggers, the overall message of the show was significant; even inside the four walls of a building meant to be safe, even around the individuals meant to be called friends, even though someone you see everyday can appear “fine”, anything can be happening behind their eyes. Ask, listen, and help.

With the tragedy of Aviicil, and so close to Mental Health Awareness Month, the need to raise awareness could not be anymore crucial. This need goes beyond the boundaries of our country. The need for kindness, and for acceptance stretches to the ends of the world.

Be the change you want to see in world, and do something now. Know the signs, be accepting, and be kind.