BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A life is lost to suicide every 16 minutes in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For the family and friends left behind, the devastating loss can be felt for a lifetime.

Jessica Alderman knows that pain. Her father committed suicide last year.

"A lot of people tried to hide it, saying he died from a heart attack, he's only 46. But no, my dad killed himself and I have to deal with that every day," she said.

Alderman tried to take her own life when she was 14. She said ironically her dad was the one who saved her life and stopped her from attempting suicide again.

"My goal is to save one child from having to burying their father when they are still a child, and the grief and the guilt that comes with not feeling good enough to have your parents stick around," she said.

To help deal with her grief, Alderman joined the Survivors After Suicide Group. All ten members have all lost somebody they loved to suicide.

The group is now hoping to dispel the stigma surrounding suicide.

"They don't want to talk about it because they're very afraid of it. You know everybody has the idea of what type of person would die by suicide and the bottom line it could be anybody," said Ellen Eggert Hallgren of Survivors After Suicide Support Group.

Hallgren was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 25 years ago, and attempted suicide a couple times.

"After finally getting a good therapist and getting on the right medications, there is no stopping me now," she said.

While she got a second chance on life, Hallgren said she is still trying to cope with the death of her two brothers. Her older brother took his life 17 years ago and her twin brother nine years ago.

"I feel guilt, I don't feel shame but what if I, and those questions will never be answered," she said.

The group will be walking for awareness this Saturday at Silver Creek Park. The walk starts at 9 a.m. It is free to walk and they will be accepting donations. Half of the money raised will stay in Kern County, the rest will go to national research. To sign up for the walk, go to www.outofdarkness.org.

If you are somebody with suicidal thoughts or know somebody who may need help, Kern County Mental Health has a 24 hour hot line 1-800-991-5272.