Columbia, SC - (WLTX) Students on USC's campus walked today with a purpose.
"I want to make sure people know that they are not alone" says Freshman Mckayla O' Sullivan. She added that she believes the power of the stigma goes away when we share our struggles.
She says, "talking about it isn't something you should be ashamed of. Your allowed to feel that way but that doesn't mean you should be quiet about it."
Stephanie Riley, who at one time tried to take her own life, spoke at Sunday's event. Stephanie says,"the pain that I was feeling was so bad I felt like it was never going to end."
For Stephanie the pain is very real and while she wouldn't go into detail she says her mission now is to help people live life to the fullest.
"This is something dear to my heart and I want people to know it gets better" says Riley.
"We can all be rainbow in someone else's clouds and I think that's the power of sharing your testimony" says Scott
April Scott is a mental heath official at USC and she says, "there's no shame it's okay to not be okay."
O' Sullivan reminds us in the end, that love will heal all, "you are loved and spreading love is the way to change things."
If you or someone you know needs help, the National Suicide Hotline number is free and available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The number is 1-800-273-TALK