Every color tells a story. It can be a favorite shade, the shadows in a room, the light spilling across the floor—they all speak, if we listen. And so do we. Each of us carries emotions that give depth to our lives: joy, sadness, fear, and anger. They are not flaws, but the hues that make us human.

In moments of struggle, it is easy to forget that our emotions deserve space. We may hide them, believing silence will make the pain fade. Sigmund Freud once said, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” His words, widely accepted, continue to resonate with many. Pain, grief, and fear can hide so subtly that even we may not notice them. His words remind us that acknowledging our feelings is the first step toward healing, toward light.

Still, the weight of silence is heavy. Globally, more than 720,000 lives are lost to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Behind these numbers are friends, siblings, colleagues, or neighbors—someone whose pain went unseen or dismissed. And for every life lost, there are countless survivors of suicide attempts, carrying invisible scars and a silence that masks the depth of their pain.

Suicide remains a difficult topic. It is whispered about, avoided, or ignored. Yet silence does not protect us; it isolates us. We create spaces where no one feels alone—by starting conversations, by listening, and by sharing stories of hope and recovery. Even the heaviest burdens can be shared, and even the darkest paths can lead toward light.

For those struggling, the weight can feel overwhelming. Days may begin with unease, and nights may be restless with lingering nightmares. Yet even in the darkest moments, hope can emerge like the first light of dawn, guiding the way toward healing. Connection is the bridge that makes this possible. Listening without judgment, reaching out, and offering care—these small acts hold monumental impact, reminding us that love and understanding can coexist with grief and loss, and that no one has to walk alone.

This is why September carries so much meaning. In the United States, it was first recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Beyond borders, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization established World Suicide Prevention Day in 2003, which is now observed every September 10. Their message is clear: suicide can be prevented.

As this month unfolds, may we join hands in building a culture of compassion—one that listens, lifts others, and reminds us that there is always a path toward hope and light. True strength is seeing yourself—fragile, raw, human—and knowing you are worthy of love and acceptance. Your emotions, both bright and shadowed, are your true colors. Embrace them, share them, and let your light reach those who may need it most.

To friends, families, colleagues, and anyone walking through darkness: let us end the stigma. Let us be brave enough to reach out, kind enough to listen, and open enough to see the truth of someone’s pain. And for those standing in the shadows—or if you know someone who is—remember that help is within reach. You can contact the Philippines’ National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline through 1553, 1800-1888-1553, SMART/TNT at 0919-057-1553, or GLOBE/TM at 0917-899-8782.

Your life matters. Your story matters. Your true colors deserve to shine.