It’s important to be an active participant in your health care. This can start with feeling empowered to effectively communicate with your doctors so you can make a collaborative, informed choice about your health care.

Suicide is a leading cause of death for Americans, but much like mental health in general, the topic rarely gets the attention it deserves. There is a stigma against discussing suicide and mental health in the United States that hinders meaningful conversation about the topic. Open dialogue is an important part of preventing these tragic deaths and establishing safety outlets for those in need.