Children as young as 10 years old have been reported to commit suicide, and Dr. Robin says every time she hears such a story—about a young person or anyone else—her heart grows heavy. "The crime is not the suicide—the crime is the suffering in the soul of that young person," she says.

While it can be difficult to know when a child or adult may be considering suicide, Dr. Robin says by talking about feelings with that person, you may help prevent it. "I want you to pledge with me that we will survey our own families, that you will talk to your own children today, tomorrow or the next day about how they're feeling and have they ever thought about harming themselves," she says. "If people talk about committing suicide—death by suicide—it is less likely they will do it."

You may not be able to take away the pain a suicidal person is feeling, but Dr. Robin says by talking with her, recognizing her pain and reminding her that it won't last forever, you can may help prevent her from exiting this life too soon."So let's break the silence and let's bring on every effort you and I have where we can save a life and save it today," she says.