Paige Hunter said she only wanted to help others struggling to talk about mental health issues. Now, a local police department is honoring the 18-year-old for what they called an “inspired” idea that has literally saved lives.

Hunter wrote dozens of encouraging letters and posted the signs along the Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, England.

Paige said she never wanted an award, just a better way to cope with the often overwhelming burden of mental illness. And she's expanding her efforts to other bridges as well.

"She should be very proud of herself," said Northumbria Police Ch Supt Sarah Pitt.

Paige said she herself experiences PTSD and knows firsthand what navigating suicidal thoughts feels like.

“When things got hard and I felt alone, I went to the Wearmouth Bridge on a couple of occasions and that feeling you get when you are debating whether to stay is absolutely terrifying," she said.

To read more of Eric Pfeiffer's article, https://www.upworthy.com/this-...t-s-working-2?c=upw1