Hollywood Popular Artists

Sep 10th 2013, 17:03, by Danica Davidson

It's World Suicide Prevention Day, and this is a cause that's deeply important to singer Starshell, who lost her sister to suicide.

Not only is Starshell a spokesperson for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, but she also donates proceeds from her Birthday Girl clothing line to the cause, and her music touches on this emotional issue.

Speaking with MTV Act, Starshell started by talking about working with Mary J. Blige and what's she's learned from the legendary singer. She also talks about writing songs with Ne-Yo.

+ Watch Starshell talk about working with Mary J. Blige and Ne-Yo.

"I think that most importantly she tells me to be myself, no matter what," she said about Mary. "In this industry, it's tough...not even this industry, this world, just growing up, like, in this day and age." Meanwhile, Ne-Yo helped her write a difficult song, "My Star." She wanted to write a song about her sister and honor her, and she explained to Ne-Yo how she was feeling. "He came up with lyrics that were so, so dead on," she said.

The singer also had words of advice about suicide prevention. If someone talks or acts as if they might be considering suicide, she says it's important to tell a trusted authority figure and get some help, even if the person in question asks you to keep it a secret. "The cry for help should never be taken lightly."

+ Watch Starshell discuss suicide prevention.

Last spring, Starshell did an Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walk, and she also spoke and performed her song, "My Star." She described it as was one of her most important performances. "My whole family was there...and it's our healing as well," she said.

If you or a friend needs help, you can turn to Half Of Us to find resources. To speak with someone now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 -- you can also chat online with someone from the org.

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