What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
It’s understandable why you may feel this way. Your pain is real, your emotions are valid, and there is a way to seek healing and support. You deserve all the support you need, whether that’s confiding in someone you’re comfortable with or accessing the services available on campus. Your life matters and you are strong for fighting through everything that has been thrown at you.
You have made it past every obstacle and have made it through every situation you’ve lived through. Doing that makes you a strong and courageous person. That courage doesn’t come easy, and I believe that you are worth fighting for. You made it past everything, and I want you to know that I believe in you and your ability to get through this difficult time too.
I know you’ve been carrying this pain for some time, and it may feel like there’s no one there that understands what you’re dealing with. I sympathize with you. I know what that feeling is like. It’s not a great feeling but you have managed to overcome adversity time and time again, and I want you to know that I have hope for you. You deserve to know what healing feels like.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
I understand what you mean. Confiding in someone can be scary, especially if it’s someone you don’t know or are close to. I’ve been hesitant to do the same, but I’ve learned that it helps to talk to someone about this. Keeping it in will only make the weight of these feelings heavier. If you’re still hesitant, maybe you can find someone you’re comfortable confiding in and work your way up to reaching out to a counselor.
Why did you want to become a Care Champion?
Suicide prevention is important to me because this is something that has been a part of my life. At one point or another, it was me or someone that I cared about considering self-harm or ending their own life. I also work in an environment where mental health tends to take a toll on those around me, and I want to be a person that can help connect people with support. Everyone should always have someone to go to when they’re struggling in their life.
How do you cope when things get tough?
My favourite coping strategy is talking to peers. I also try to listen to music since I found that it tends to take my mind off things.
When I talk to people it feels like I’m letting go of some of the feelings that I’ve been holding onto (a weight off my shoulders). I’ve learned that it’s better to talk about things instead of holding onto them and it has become a go-to coping strategy of mine.
What gives you hope?
My future. Being a teacher and an influence on younger generations motivates me because it gives me the opportunity to be a support system for them.
Alyssa Hua (they/them)
Undergraduate student, HK Movement Science