While driving down a California road on March 11, a simple song stopped Actor/Director Ivirlei Brookes in her tracks – and reduced her to tears. Ellie Goulding’s “Hanging On” instantly took her back to the most frightening and challenging experience of her life: Fighting for the life of the man she loved.

As she sat sobbing, overwhelmed by memories, Ivirlei was suddenly hit with a deep sense of purpose. It was at that moment that she knew she had to share her story – and help others.

Project 3-11 is a moving tale of love, pain, mental health and suicide. With Nick Denbeigh and Lydia Callins leading, this powerful art piece aims to raise awareness, open dialogue and inspire people to take action on mental illness. Here, Ivirlei takes us behind the story of Project 3-11, sharing her real-life experiences that inspired it.

Watch Project 3-11, then learn more about the film on the official website (Project3-11.com) and like the Project 3-11 fanpage on Facebook (facebook.com/ProjectThreeEleven).

If you know someone who may be in immediate danger, or if you are having suicidal thoughts, please contact 911 (U.S.) or your local authorities immediately.