This week has been traumatic for the Brigham Young University community and family after a student took her own life in the N. Eldon Tanner Building on Monday.

To start this editorial, the Daily Herald Editorial Board would like to extend its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the 19-year-old woman who tragically passed away. We feel that we cannot adequately express that we understand what it’s like to know a loved one that took their own life. Many of the members of the Daily Herald Editorial Board have friends or family members who took their own lives, but each situation is different, and everyone grieves differently. We hope those in grieving are seeking appropriate counseling services and are reaching out for help as available.

Death by suicide is a very complex subject that we often don’t discuss in the Daily Herald. As an editorial policy, the Daily Herald, as is the case with most media organizations, does not report on suicides or victims of such unless such actions necessitate a significant public safety response or the person is a public figure.

But we felt it was necessary to discuss this tragedy in the BYU community, as suicide is such a pervasive topic, especially in Utah.

We want to first focus on the immense outpouring of support from the BYU community. Students have united in a tremendous and profound way. Our reporters were touched when they went to BYU and saw students handing out flowers with notes reading “you are loved” attached.

It’s a simple yet penetrating message that, in dark, depressive and stressful times, many forget. But these students, many of whom have been a part of the BYU community for just months, exhibited a tender act that demonstrates the care and attention for others that must exist when such a tragedy occurs.

During Tuesday’s weekly devotional, BYU President Kevin J Worthen choked up as he provided his introductory remarks. This was touching to see, to know that a single student obviously mattered in such a profound way to the president of the university.

Now, we completely understand there are other BYU students who die by suicide every year that are not reported on because a public safety response is not generated as it was this week, and there may, unfortunately, be other students who take their own lives, even this year.

With that, we recognize there are students at BYU who feel they are not enough, or feel that they cannot live up to insurmountable pressures, societal standards or demands from every potential facet of life. For those students, we urge the BYU community to, as they have done so admirably and humbly this week, encircle them about and tell them “you are loved.” That message can be so easily forgotten and we would hope that the lie “you are not loved” does not overpower it.

Attending college can be a stressful time and mental health can be strained. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, one in five college students nationally have considered suicide. We are very grateful so many state and local leaders have created and participate in a task force to combat teen and youth suicide, but we would ask that more resources be allocated to help college students contemplating suicide. Stress is almost as commonplace in college as ramen noodle soup, and many studies have shown obvious, strong correlations between stress, anxiety and depression.

We are grateful to hear that the BYU counseling services have been well-equipped to help students who may have thoughts of suicide. We now understand those same counselors are assisting those who suffered trauma from witnessing the woman’s fall. We extend our appreciation to BYU’s counselors who are making it possible for so many to heal.

For those reading this who have considered or are considering suicide, we encourage you to ask for help. You are not alone in this world, or in your life. Confidential help is available 24/7, whether that be through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the local Utah County Crisis Line at 801-691-LIFE (5433), or even the willing ear of a friend or family member. And to those who know someone who has contemplated acting on suicidal thoughts, listen, please. Listen and respond in a manner that would empower that loved one to treasure this life.

Suicide is a real and troubling problem in our county and nation, and we pray that not another tragic incident like this occurs. If you want to help, but don’t know where to start, do as these BYU students did; tell someone they’re loved and know that you are loved.