Suicide is a huge epidemic across the world, with an estimated 800,000 people dying every year from successful attempts, according to the World Health Organization — which breaks down to one person every 40 seconds. Recently the CDC revealed that suicide rates are on the rise in America, going up by 30 percent since 1999. In 2016, this translated to nearly 45,000 deaths by suicide, which is a pretty significant number.

And it’s not just adults who are taking their lives. The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention states that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds. Paige Hunter, and 18-year-old from Sunderland, England, is just one of the many teens who has struggled with depression and attempted to take her own life. Fortunately, she wasn’t successful, and is using her experience to help others overcome their own suicidal thoughts.

Paige leaves incredibly inspiring hand-written, laminated notes for people who might be contemplating suicide on the very same bridge where she attempted to take her own life.

“That feeling you get when you are debating whether to live is absolutely terrifying and you feel alone in it all,” she told Babble about what inspired her start her project. “So when things started getting a lot better for me I wanted to help those who felt the same way as I did.”

According to Paige, her hopeful and encouraging messages have saved at least eight lives so far, and the individuals even reached out to her to express their gratitude. “[They told] me that I have saved their life and if they didn’t see [the notes] they probably wouldn’t be here anymore and that is absolutely overwhelming,” she said.

The East Durham College student has left over 240 notes. “Don’t you dare give up on this life. Not tonight, not tomorrow, not ever,” reads one. “Be strong. Because things will get better. It may be stormy now but it never rains forever,” reads another. “I’m not telling you it is going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it,” she writes.

PREVIOUSLY: This Mom's Everyday Photo Highlights A Powerful Message About Depression

In addition to her studies, working at a store and saving lives, Hunter also is raising money for a mental health charity, MIND, which provides mental health services, and has set up a GoFundMe page for the cause. She was also recently honored by Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt with the "Commander's Compliment" award for the lives she has saved.

"We thought it was important to applaud the work Paige has been doing and the help she has given those in Sunderland who are going through a mental health crisis," Pitt said. "Paige has shown an incredible understanding of vulnerable people in need of support, and this is an innovative way to reach out to those in a dark place."

To Hunter, the most rewarding part of it all is “just knowing that I have made people smile and have saved people lives by doing something so simple.”

Most importantly, her initiative is a reminder to every last one of us — whether or not we have experienced mental health struggles or attempted suicide — just how easy it can be to help another human out, and possibly even save a life.

If you are considering suicide as an option, 24-hour support is available through The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

READ NEXT: Talking To Your Kids About Suicide