We have lost friends to suicide. Friends who in their minds could not see any other option. Leaving behind family, friends, partners and children. Mental illness doesn’t just affect the person suffering, it affects everyone around them, who are then left questioning why, for the rest of their lives.

There isn’t a day goes by that we don’t think about it.

Our personal experience with mental health issues are painful to talk about, but it is one of the most important things to do. Talk to each other, open up and don’t carry it on your own. Pick up the phone, call, text. Let someone know that you need help.

Break the stigma, speak.

100 Voices was published in the Hot Press Mental Health Special in conjunction with Lyons Tea and Pieta House as part of the Now We're Talking Campaign. For more please visit hotpress.com/now-were-talking/