Imagine sitting on the warm sand alongside the ocean that anchors the beautiful Golden Gate bridge. You close your eyes and listen to the soothing sound of the waves forming after one another. The endless negative thoughts finally meet an end, and you are here solely in this moment. You are peaceful. You are in your safe haven.

When I was around the age of 16, my family fell apart and I convinced myself that all the unfortunate events during those couple of years were my fault. I couldn’t bear to see my mother’s tears day after day and assumed everyone’s life would be better without me. One night, when my mother and little brother were fast asleep, I was wide awake with a heart full of guilt. I went into the bathroom and sat on the floor silently sobbing.

Next to me was a pocket knife.

At this point in my life, I was sure that I no longer served a purpose in this world. As I slowly lifted the pocket knife, still sobbing in silence, I heard a voice struggle its way into my thoughts. To this day I cannot forget the sweet voice repeating the word, “pray.”

Instantly, I dropped the knife and crawled into fetal position and cried. I was tired of fighting this mental battle.

I sat on the floor and prayed for strength to overcome my battles. Rome wasn’t built in one day, but with time it became beautiful. Similarly, my depression didn’t go away the next day, but with meditation and prayer, I was able to overcome my feeling of uselessness. When I meditated, I imagined myself next to the ocean, and when I prayed, I asked for strength to make it through another day. Each time I engaged in these activities, I gained peace of mind.

I am a survivor through meditation and prayer.

Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control, one individual commits suicide every 13 minutes? The total comes out to about 100 deaths every 24 hours. The total is not only a total of deaths, but also a sum of people who were not able to find refuge from their mental and emotional battles. Perhaps they weren’t aware of the available prevention hotlines, or the meditation that could have helped ease endless thoughts or even conscious thoughts that led to the suicidal thoughts.

Depression is the leading cause of suicidal thoughts, Suicide.org said. According to Emory University, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 25 to 34, and the third-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. Those most at risk for suicidal ideation and attempt are male, white, and under the age of 21.

The first step you may want to take is calling your school’s suicide prevention hotline. For Sacramento State, the 24-hour crisis line number is 916-368-3111. If you are afraid that your identity may be revealed, the hotline is confidential, and unless you are a potential physical harm for others or yourself, your identity remains between you and the listener. Calling the hotline could potentially help you feel better and restore your sense of purpose.

On the other hand, if you feel more comfortable with group activities, then you may want to join the Yoga and Meditation Club on campus. Meditation is usually a way to appreciate your inner peace, among many other things like your health. Meditation a few times a week can not only benefit you for the moment but even in the long run. The club information can be found on the Sacramento State website under “Clubs and Organizations.” Take advantage of the resources available to you. After all, you don’t pay thousands of dollars in tuition for nothing.

When you come out of depression and move forward with your life, it feels as though you have a chance at a new life. Things eventually begin to fall into place, and you can say you overcame a battle that was meant to destroy your sense of self. You become a stronger version of yourself.

Use your resources, connect with nature and practice positivity each day. As a result, depression will be nowhere to be found, and suicide will roll off your tongue like a foreign word.

Get help, and if you see someone struggling, help them. No one should be left behind.