What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
I’m here for you, I care, and I can help connect you with resources for support. I’m ready to listen when you’re ready to talk, and there are so many others on campus and in the community who are here for you as well. It seems like you’ve been through a lot and I know that must be hard. You don’t have to travel this road alone. If you want someone to walk with you, there are many caring professionals who are here to be by your side.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
It’s okay to ask for help. We all need support at times and you deserve to feel safe, seen, and cared for.
Why does suicide prevention matter to you?
I think now more than ever, people need other people to lean on. Suicide prevention matters to me because I want to be someone that others can turn to for support. There are people in my life who have struggled deeply with suicide, and so this is something that is personal for me. I want to make sure that everyone has the care they need.
We often hear about the importance of “being in the moment” with our own experience, but I think this can also be applied to increasing our awareness of those around us as well. If we can stop and think about how others are doing and how they might be feeling, then that gives us an opportunity to be available to listen when someone needs help. Any journey of healing begins with a conversation, and if I can be that person then I can do my part to help someone in pain.
How do you cope when things get tough?
A daily movement practice helps me immensely, it’s a break from the day-to-day tasks where I can focus on something that I know is making me physically stronger and helping to reduce mental stress. The best part is, it literally doesn’t matter what you do, you just have to do it. Walking, running, yoga, lifting weights, taking a class, finding a spot in the sun to stretch, getting some fresh air and dancing, it can be anything you want!!
What gives you hope?
Life is like surfing, sometimes you’re up on a wave and everything is great. Sometimes a wave throws you off your board and it can be tough to get back on again. But one thing I know is that there are people here who can help you find your footing again. Waves will come and go, but together we can find a way through.