What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
Your life and your unique contributions to the world matter. At UWindsor, there are people who want to support you and provide you with the care that you deserve. Please reach out if you need support, there are people who want to be there for you.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
If you are feeling unsure about reaching out for support, you are not alone. It’s okay to have those feelings or to feel nervous to open up to someone. You never know what something will be like until you try it out. If you are willing to try, you might find that it is helpful. If you don’t feel heard by the person you reach out to, please give another resource a chance until you find the support that you deserve.
Why does suicide prevention matter to you?
Suicide prevention matters to me because I believe that with the right tools for support, people can get through tough times and find hope. Tools like the It Matters that You're Here initiative aim to spread awareness about mental health challenges and suicide prevention, and help to build caring connections on campus and in the community. Talking about suicide can save lives.
How do you cope when things get tough?
My favourite coping strategy is spending time with myself. This includes journaling feelings that may be unresolved. Journaling allows me to be completely honest with myself since I do not need to prove anything to anyone. Spending time with myself also means that I can spend an evening doing the things that I love in my home like watching a new movie and resting from overwhelming situations. This helps me feel grounded and more confident in myself as I move forward.
What gives you hope?
What gives me hope in difficult situations is believing that there are things that I can do to find a way through hard times. For example, I can take steps to cope, ask for support, make changes where possible, and focus on what is in my control. Tough times are inevitable, so I try to remember that I need to give myself time to overcome certain struggles. When I experience challenges, I remind myself that this pain will not last forever. Looking into the future excites me when I think about the new opportunities and new beginnings that will come.