This petition is deeply personal because I, like many others, have experienced the desperation and darkness that comes with mental health struggles. It feels like there's no escape but to cry out "kill me." Millions around the world are wrestling with similar internal battles.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (46.6 million in 2017). Suicide rates have been rising in nearly every state; it is now the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S, and the second for those aged 15 to 34. These are more than just statistics, these are human lives — our friends, family, and fellow citizens.

Our society needs to take urgent action on this front. We are calling upon lawmakers and health professionals to prioritize mental health services and suicide prevention efforts. Let's invest in mental health research, increase accessibility to counseling services, improve early detection programs, remove the stigma surrounding mental wellness, and ensure that nobody feels so trapped by their own mind that they wish for death.

This is not just about me. It is about us. It is about supporting every person who has silently screamed "kill me" and making sure they are heard, supported, and given the help they need. Please, sign this petition, and let's bring about the change we need.