I watched some of my staff express vulnerability and share their personal struggles with mental health. Many writers had to interview and listen to sources who faced difficult circumstances in life.

Despite these challenges, all of us persisted and leaned into the “uncomfortable.” It’s often uncomfortable to talk about mental health, to be honest about it. It’s uncomfortable to listen to people detail the good, the bad and the ugly.

But if we do not lean into the uncomfortable and share those stories, then we are not doing our due diligence to spread awareness on mental health issues that can affect anyone around us, including our own selves.

Stories on mental health need more spotlight. We need to have more discussions about mental health. The Evergreen’s special edition, “Ending the Stigma,” is an effort to help destigmatize mental health, including suicide, self-harm, depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

But ending the stigma on mental health does not stop with just having conversations about mental health. We need to educate ourselves on resources available in our schools and communities. We need to be kinder toward ourselves and others. We need to empower and encourage each other.

As September and the theme of Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close, let us remember that suicide prevention and destigmatizing mental health is an ongoing, daily process. Reach out to those close to you. Embrace them. Express gratitude toward others. Take the time to listen and sit in with people’s pain. And don’t forget to say “I love you” to the people around you.

If it’s an emergency, please dial 911. Here are some local and national resources you can connect with to seek help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

Counseling and Psychological Services at Cougar Health Services

509-335-4511 during business hours or 509-335-2159 after hours

WSU’s Student Care Network

Palouse River Counseling

509-334-1133