What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
I might not know your story, nor do I have the right to say I know what you are going through, but I genuinely know that you must be hurting and suffering so much. Sometimes you might feel unseen and lonely, even if you have people around you. I understand how tired you must be, and I want you to know that I see your strength. From a fellow stranger who cares: you are important and you matter. You might not realize it or see it now, but you have a campus community that cares about you. With the right support, it is possible to find a way through this.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
It takes strength and courage to reach out for support, and oftentimes, the first step into a new situation is the hardest. But once you take that difficult step and find someone you can trust, you may feel that it was worth it. If you feel worried about reaching out, remind yourself that the resources available on campus and in the community exist because people want to extend a helping hand. As a fellow student, I know that there are many people who want to be there to support us and to see us feel better, and I believe that it's courageous to accept that help. Sometimes we may feel as though our pain, struggles, and stories are not worth bothering someone over or that others won't understand. However, giving people the chance to care can allow us to realize that they can see the depth of our suffering and want to be there for us. If you haven’t found someone who makes you feel this way, please keep reaching out until you do. Connection is often the first step on our journey of healing.
Why does suicide prevention matter to you?
Suicide prevention matters to me because as a campus and a community, it is our job to convey to those who are going through a difficult time that we are here to help. I understand how much emptiness, hopelessness, and despair someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide might be feeling and I want anyone who is hurting to know that with support and care, it’s possible to find healing. Every member of our campus community matters, and when we dedicate ourselves to suicide prevention, we can find a way through together.
How do you cope when things get tough?
My favourite coping strategy is ensuring I do daily activities that invite peace or happiness into my life—for example, going for a walk in a safe, quiet area surrounded by trees or at the river listening to something I enjoy. Feeling the wind and taking in my surroundings allows me to sort out my thoughts and focus on the moment. I might also choose to do something I like, such as watching a movie or reading a book. Oftentimes the things that give you a little break and let you approach life moment by moment really help!
What gives you hope?
What often keeps me going in difficult times is the idea that, with time, healing can happen. Some struggles may not have an immediate solution, but finding new resources and learning how to cope in new ways is possible. Over time, we build new skills, create new connections, and find new experiences that can help us get through difficult days. What gives me hope is knowing that it is possible for things to improve and that by focusing on the things I can control, I can help bring about this change in my life. Knowing that eventually I can one day look back on this struggle as something that I have overcome is what encourages me to keep going.