Madi Bondy

I can see the pain you are in and the struggle you are going through. I want you to know that I can also see your strength. Your life is important and there are so many people who want to be here for you during this difficult time. You do not need to be alone in your thoughts and feelings - there are professionals on campus and in the community who know how to help. I think you are courageous for continuing to stay alive when everything hurts so much. Your presence matters. Please reach out. 

Suicide prevention matters to me because suicide can impact anyone. I believe that it is important to increase awareness of the signs that someone might be going through a difficult time and work to decrease stigma surrounding mental health challenges while encouraging help-seeking. Even though individuals who are struggling may feel isolated, it is important to remember that there are caring and compassionate people in every community and that support is available. Suicide prevention is important for bringing awareness to these resources and creating a culture where it feels safe to ask for help. Fostering hope, increasing awareness, and connecting individuals to support can save lives.  

My favourite healthy coping strategy is to read a book or watch a show. This strategy provides me with distraction from the discomfort of difficult emotions when I need to get some space or when the emotions feel overwhelming and too much to focus on at the time. I know that I can face them again when I’m ready, but it is important for everybody to have a healthy coping strategy that acts as a safe place when our thoughts and feelings begin to feel too overwhelming.  

When I am going through a difficult time, the people in my life are a reminder that there is hope and they inspire me to keep going despite tough struggles. I play many roles in the lives of the people around me and I remember how important each of those roles are. I am a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a friend, and many other significant roles that I know matter. I am reminded about the importance of my presence when I am surrounded by the people that love me. Sometimes we may feel disconnected from the people currently in our lives, but I hope everybody knows that it is possible to find their own community of supportive connections that can help them through difficult times – whether that is by making new friends, joining a club on campus, volunteering, or connecting with a mental health professional. There are people out there who will care about you and who can be there for you, too. And with each connection, you are creating an opportunity to make a difference in their lives as well.