A new video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives you a glimpse through the eyes of a young man struggling with suicidal thoughts brought on by the stresses, pressures, and expectations of life.

“I tried to smile and hide my darkness. I remember waking up on my 17th birthday wanting to end my life.” Watch this new video “Choose to Stay”

In many cases, suicide prevention is a painful, long-term process. In this video, this young man talks about his struggle with depression and the persistent feelings of pain and emptiness that seemed overwhelming.

Ultimately, he chose to stay alive for his family and his friends. He chose to stay alive and experience the small and simple things that he loves. He chose to stay alive because he finally realized that he doesn’t have to stay alone. His message to others fighting the same battle is, “You can choose to stay too.”

If you are considering suicide, please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK [8255].

For help or further resources:

• New Church videos by Elder Renlund and Sister McConkie
• List of Best LDS Resources to Help with Suicide
• Church website suicide.lds.org
• Church Guide “Preventing Suicide and Responding after a Loss”
• Suicide: Myths and Facts