MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A striking display at Marquette University Wednesday -- dozens of backpacks you'd see students carrying on campus. 

The exhibit is called "Send Silence Packing," and each backpack carries a message that students and many others need to hear. 

"There's 100 stories," said Eric Rockwood, program associate. "There are stories of hope and stories of loss. A majority of them are those we've lost by suicide. A couple are the survivor stories themselves."

People were invited to walk among the backpacks Wednesday to view photographs and read the stories attached to them.

The message: if you're having mental health issues, if you're thinking about suicide, you are not alone, and help is available. 

The group behind it is called Active Minds and was founded by a woman whose brother took his own life. 

Students who saw this display were encouraged to share stories of their own. 

"As you read them, you'll find a common theme. That a lot -- they had no one to go to. They didn't have adequate resources and there was still a stigma. So that's why we're here, to let people know you're not alone in your struggles," Rockwood said.

Marquette says many of the backpacks were donated by families who lost a loved one to suicide. Alison Malmon, founder of Active Minds, says, "Stigma is shame, shame causes silence and silence hurts us all."

Rockwood had one parting message for anyone who feels ashamed and helpless. "Mental health isn't talked about as much, but never feel like you're alone in your struggles. There are people here, there are resources you can use. You do matter, you're valid, and please reach out if you need help."

For more information on the exhibit, click here.