“In the early morning of February 6th, 1995, after a decades-long struggle with bipolar disorder, my mother, Nina Leichter, committed suicide by jumping out of a window. I was twenty-eight. This event shattered my world. Suddenly, the magnetic, alluring, brilliant, emotionally volatile person whom I had been trying to hold on to all of my life was gone forever. And this time there would be no getting her back….”

This is Kathy Leichter’s story – one she poignantly explores in the documentary film, Here One Day. Yet for all the personal details that set Kathy’s story apart from anyone else’s, it is hauntingly familiar. In fact, 90 percent of suicides stem from mental illness.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your support of Kathy’s film.

No words I share here can so powerfully express the beauty of Here One Day as can the film itself. Please take just a few moments of your time to watch the trailer at Kickstarter.com where you can help fund this important project. Whether you can pledge $5 or $500, it will move the movie one step closer to its $25,000 goal.

As of this writing, Here One Day has raised more $21,264. There’s just one catch. Per Kickstarter rules, the project only receives funding if the entire goal is met by the deadline date. In other words, Here One Day needs to raise another $3,736 by May 31st.

As Kathy states, the funding goes toward editing, music, sound design, sound mixing, video finishing, film fest entries and screenings. Time is of the essence, as Here One Day has already been invited for its first major screening at the American Psychiatric Association’s 63rd Institute of Psychiatric Services (IPS) in October.

Will you help?

Though helping with the completion of this film is reward enough, each pledge level comes with thank you gifts that include on-screen credit for your support, tickets to the premiere and more.

Click here to back this inspiring, deserving project through Kickstarter.com.

One in 4 adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Note the emphasis on “diagnosed.” If we take into account every man and woman who is suffering in silence, alone, Americans living with mental health conditions is far greater than 25 percent. Unfortunately, the stigma still attached to mental illness discourages people from seeking help. It’s for this reason this month is so important.

May is Mental Health Month, sponsored by Mental Health America, the country’s leading non-profit dedicated to helping people lead mentally healthier lives.

If you would like to help raise awareness about mental health, support one or both of this year’s campaigns:

1. Do More for 1 in 4, a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives.
2. Live Well: It’s Essential for Your Potential, focusing on 10 science-based tools for managing stress and helping you relax, grow and flourish.

For details on how you can help – including suggested posts for Twitter and Facebook – check out the official website of Mental Health America.

And if you or someone you know is living with a mental health condition, refer to the following resources on:

• Anger Management
• Anxiety and Stress
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Co-Dependency
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Emotional Abuse
• Forgiveness
• Grief and Loss
• Guilt
• Personal Wellness
• Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome