What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
It makes sense if everything feels like it’s too much right now - what you’re experiencing would feel overwhelming to most people, and you deserve support in coping with this. What matters to me in this moment is that we keep you safe. Please reach out and tell someone about what’s going on – there are so many people on campus who care and who can help you come up with options for accessing support. I know it can be difficult to imagine that there is anything that can be done to make your situation easier to cope with, but it’s been my experience that there often are things that can help, even a bit. Even if we can only start with small things, together we can figure out how to make this situation just a little bit more bearable.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
It can be really tempting to isolate yourself when you’re having thoughts of suicide, and sometimes the last thing that you want is to feel vulnerable by being open with people. If that’s what you’re feeling, your emotions are valid. Being vulnerable can be so hard. I just want to assure you though that you deserve help, and you deserve to be listened to with care and compassion. There is no shame in struggling with thoughts of suicide. This happens so much more often than people know.
Sometimes it can be hard to imagine that there is anyone who might be able to help in a meaningful way – and you may have had some bad experiences in the past. If you didn’t feel connected to someone or didn’t get the support you were looking for the first time, please know that it wasn’t your fault and that it’s important that you try reaching out to someone else. There are a lot of people on campus that really do care, and they’d be so glad that you reached out to them. The University of Windsor’s Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Resistance & Support has lots of helpful resources for folks impacted by sexual violence and gender-based violence. We also have knowledge of resources in the community, so we can help you explore other options if you decide to reach out to us.
Why did you want to become a Care Champion?
Suicide prevention matters to me because I believe we need to care for one another as a community. When members of our community are struggling with thoughts of suicide, they deserve care and compassion and to feel supported by the people around them. I’m really guided by my work in sexual violence prevention, where we emphasize the importance of bystanders in preventing harm. At some point in our life, we are all going to be a bystander to the mental health struggles of people we care about. I want to be part of a community that recognizes when people are struggling and creates opportunities for connection and support. I believe suicide prevention is an essential part of developing a compassionate campus community.
How do you cope when things get tough?
My favourite coping strategy is talking walks outside – rain or shine. This creates an opportunity for me to breathe and reflect. When I’m able to go for my walk, I feel this sense of accomplishment for reaching my goal, even if it’s just a short, 10 minute walk!
What gives you hope?
When I’m going through a difficult time, I try to remind myself of things that helped me overcome past challenges. My network of people is really important to me, and having these meaningful relationships with family, friends, and colleagues gives me a sense of support that I’m so grateful for, especially when I’m going through a hard time. Personally, I feel motivation when I contribute to my campus community and Windsor community, and I feel inspiration through my work in sexual violence prevention and learning from others. Knowing that I am surrounded by so many people that really care and are doing so much to encourage mental health gives me hope. Really, it’s connection that keeps me going through difficult times, and I am glad to be a part of a community that is striving to be supportive and compassionate.
Jessica Glazewski (she/her)
Sexual Violence Educational Assistant, Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Resistance & Support