NORTH TEXAS —  Whether it’s BMX legend Dave Mirra who was found dead Thursday… the two students at East Plano Senior High who died last weekend … or elected officials saying they’d considered suicide… it’s a topic that must be discussed.

“Reach out to someone,” urged Susan Hawk, Dallas County’s District Attorney.  This was back in October after she returned from treatment for severe depression. “There is help out there that’s available.”

Hey, getting help is good advice. But what’s it like to call a suicide hotline?  NewsFix asked Jenyce Gush, Director of Volunteer Services at the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.

“It’s a safe place to call and talk to a caring, warm person,” Gush said of the service. “And talk about what’s going on with you.”

She told NewsFix high-profile cases can cause spikes in calls, and that’s been the case this week, following the apparent double-suicide in Plano.

The same goes for famous people we thought we knew.

“When Robin Williams completed suicide, I think people thought, ‘God, if he couldn’t make it, how could I?'” Gush said.

She says volunteers are waiting to talk, 24/7 — whether you’re considering suicide yourself or just need someone to talk to.

“People concerned about their job, relationship issues, problems with their family, why not call and talk to someone that could be nice to you?” Gush suggested.

We know it’s been said a million times, but real talk y’all… there’s no shame in reaching out to folks who are here to help.

The Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas can be reached at 214-828-1000 or sccenter.org.

Other resources: Texas Suicide Prevention, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255).