In November 2011, I gave myself a dangerous ultimatum: on Christmas Day I would either end my life or never think about suicide again. This is my story. Over 47,000 Americans lost their battle with suicide in 2017, a 50-year high. Studies show talking about suicide doesn't make it any more likely someone will attempt and makes it much more likely they'll seek help. If you're struggling, you are not as alone as you feel. If you think this world would be better off without you, your brain is lying to you. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. Please stay. There are so many people in this world who want to help you. If you're thinking about taking your own life, call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741. You're not inconvenicing anyone. We honestly just want you to be ok. Thank you Eagle Brook Church for making this video and sharing my story at your Christmas services. I am blessed to be part of such an amazing church that is so proactive and open about mental health. For more information about Sam's journey, visit: Recklessly Alive Instagram.com/Recklessly_Alive RecklesslyAlive.com or RecklesslyAlive.com/speaking to have Sam come speak to your community. "Noel! Come and see what God has done."

In 2016, 42,773 Americans lost their battle to suicide. That's 121 people every day. One person every 12.3 minutes. Did you know suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for adults and the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-14. WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THIS. Studies show talking about suicide doesn't lead to increased suicidal thoughts and greatly increases the likelihood someone will ask for help. We have to talk about this, in every home, in every church, in every school, and in every community. If you're struggling please tell someone you can trust or call the crisis hotline - Call 1-800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to 741741. Or please call 911. ---- this isn’t the end for you. i promise. ⠀⠀ every closed door. every broken heart. every rock bottom. every horrible moment. every restless night. ⠀⠀ they aren’t leading to a painful end; they are leading to a new beginning. a fresh start. a new day. i know it might seem impossible, like the weight of your problems are heavier than any human could possibly understand, the hurt in your heart more than you think you can bear. ⠀⠀ i know because i’ve been there; that butt print in the mud next to you is mine. ⠀⠀ you are strong enough to fight back, strong enough to move forward, strong enough to ask for the help you deserve. ⠀⠀ you are worthy of love and belonging. worthy of hope and a future. worthy of a long, beautiful life. ⠀⠀ this day, this pain, this problem is just a speck on your timeline. this season will pass before you know it. keep fighting. ⠀⠀ this isn't the end for you. stay in the fight. your life is worth fighting for.

Every 12.8 minutes someone in the U.S. commits suicide and I was almost one of them. 43,773 people in the U.S. took their own life in 2015 and we are not talking about it. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults, and the second leading cause of death in young people and we're not talking about it. We have to talk these topics that are uncomfortable. We have to talk about suicide and depression. We have to share our stories. And this is mine. Visit RecklesslyAlive.com to follow my journey and support my suicide prevention efforts. Music license acquired through Envato Market: Darkness Falls.