After her daughter attempted suicide twice, Brandy Vega knew she had to do something. She started Promise2live a campaign that challenges people who are contemplating suicide to make a promise ahead of time that they will reach out to a friend, family member or other trusted resources.

“I almost lost my child to suicide when she was 12,” said Vega. “We didn’t talk about it because of the shame and stigma. When she tried again at 14 and I knew that I couldn’t do the same thing and expect a different result so I launched the campaign.”

September is Suicide Awareness Month and Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. “Every 40 seconds we lose someone to suicide,” said Vega. “The Surgeon General said to expect a rise in loneliness. Social media has caused kids to live in a disconnected reality.”

The campaign invites people to go to promise2live.org and make the pledge to live. “Make the promise, get your certificate and share your commitment to stop the stigma, start conversations and save lives. Studies show that you’re up to 80% more likely to keep your commitment when you make a promise,” according to the site.

As part of the campaign, Promise2live has created coins “pocket hugs” to hand out that say “When times are tough and you don’t know what to do, here’s a hug from me to you.” 

It’s like a military coin. “The challenge is to give it to someone in need,” said Vega. “They can carry it around as a reminder that somebody cares about you. That you’re not alone. There’s help.”

The coin is a promise to live, she said. “It shifts from just awareness to action with accountability.”

Promise2live held a livestream event on Sept. 10 in Hollywood that featured musical performances and a message of hope, help and healing. “Last year we hit 400,000 and this year we think we’ll reach a million,” Vega said. “We know we can reach people where they are on any platform they use. We’ve created an incredible show. We stream it on all platforms on what people are already following.”

Vega said people are always asking her about the warning signs of suicide. “The first thing is to talk about it. Don’t be afraid to ask each other, a child or a spouse, ‘how are you doing?’ Have an open conversation.”

Especially with kids, she said. “Ask them if they had a problem ‘would you come to me?’ We talk about drugs and drinking. Talking about it increases the odds that they'll reach out to someone. Let them know they’re loved and not alone and that they can reach out to you.” 

Ask them point blank, she said. “Ask the honest question and get an honest answer. Asking won’t cause them to be suicidal. Either they are or they’re not. It’s a chance to connect and feel something and knock down the wall that if they’re struggling they can do it.”

Talking about it is not a sign of weakness, said Vega. “It’s a sign of strength. We’re all dealing with something. Create a safety plan. Make a promise ahead of time. Sometimes you just need to get through the day.”

For more information visit promise2live.org.