Created in Canva
The Voices of Our Galen University Community As part of Suicide Prevention Week, members of the Galen University community were invited to anonymously share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on suicide, mental health, and stigma. What follows are their words. As you read, you may recognize your own thoughts, experiences, or feelings in some of these responses. Remember, these are the words of your classmates, students, friends, coworkers, faculty, and staff. They are members of our community who took a moment to share their perspectives and contribute to a conversation that can sometimes be difficult to begin. Read with openness. Reflect with compassion. And know that by being part of this conversation, you are helping to end the stigma. Every voice matters. Every conversation matters. Keep scrolling to read what our community had to say. With care, Galen University Counseling Office Beyond Stigma (Virtual Wall Display) Creating Space for Conversations About Suicide, Mental Health, and Wellbeing
I wish people will know that the privilege of not being suicidal grants them to say that it's a selfish act. I'm not crazy because I go to a therapist. Getting help is a good thing. Don't judge! All we need is a listening ear, someone to ask hard questions to challenge ourselves and gives ourselves the answer that is already there but we don't want to accept. To the person we choose to speak to confidentially, please don't act like you know it all and have all the answers to what we're going through, especially if you can't relate. Pay attention to the signs and don't feel that you're capable of choosing on our behalf. Your choice can push us deeper into a mental breakdown. I wish people understood that struggling with your mental health does not mean you are weak, broken, or incapable. Sometimes people are carrying things that no one else can see, and asking for help can take an incredible amount of courage. I also wish we understood that suicide prevention is not just about talking about suicide when someone is already in crisis. It is about creating communities where people feel seen, heard, valued, and safe enough to say, “I’m not okay,” without fear of judgment. I feel like people forget that we are all humans. Sometimes people put you on a pedestal and expect you to be perfect, but you're gonna make mistakes and be mediocre. And that's okay. I have come to realize that you give your best, and if someone doesn't appreciate that. Then that's a them problem. I wish people understood that when someone repeatedly voices that they are overwhelmed, exhausted, or stressed, they will be heard and given moral support and/or a day off to de-stress or for their personal time to be respected. That it's not attention seeking; we have an actual problem, and that we need help and compassion, and they should try to understand before just saying we are selfish and just want attention. Suicidal tendencies have no race or name. Nor does it have a preference. The person closest to me who I thought was the strongest from my friend group was the one who took his own life. So I make sure to always check on my strong friends too. When it comes to mental health, suicide, or stigma, what is something you wish people understood?
When it comes to mental health, suicide, or stigma, what is something you wish people understood? Even though it may seem you are doing fine, there may be a million things going through your mind. Sometimes it's hard to say how you feel because of the stigma or situation you may be in. I wish we would treat each other fairly because you may not know the silent battles someone is facing. This is something I wish people understood. I wish people understood that mental health is just as important as physical health. We may not be in a hospital with a broken leg, but being in bed with a broken heart can be just as painful. I wish people understood that mental illness isn’t a choice. I struggled for years just to leave my house, and because of that, I missed out on so many experiences, memories, and moments I can never get back. People would sometimes say, “Just come, let’s go,” as if it were that simple, and every time, it hurt a little more knowing they didn’t understand. I wasn’t choosing to stay home. I wasn’t being difficult or antisocial. I was genuinely terrified, both physically and mentally, of what felt like a million different things at once. It’s hard to even put that kind of fear into words because sometimes you know logically that you should be okay, but your mind and body are telling you the complete opposite. I wish people understood that someone can desperately want to participate in life and still feel unable to. Sometimes support isn’t telling someone to “just do it.” Sometimes it’s believing them when they tell you they’re struggling, being patient, and understanding that something that seems small or easy to you may feel almost impossible to them. I wish people understood it is not an easy choice to want to be better mentally. Being stuck in the spirals of mental struggles can sometimes be unusually comforting. The familiarity of this comfort is the only thing people know of sometimes and don’t realize that there can be changes and choices that will better their mental health. When it comes to mental health, I wish people understood that struggling does not always look the way they expect it to. Someone can smile, go to work or school, talk to their friends, make jokes, and still be dealing with things internally that nobody else knows about. Sometimes the people who seem like they have everything together are the ones who are struggling the most because they have become good at hiding it.
When it comes to mental health, suicide, or stigma, what is something you wish people understood? Regardless of others' perspectives, everyone is susceptible to mental health issues disorders, including the old, the religious, those with financial means, and persons we suspect have it all together. No one is "normal"! If everyone acknowledged this, we would be in a safer world. Mental illness is not a moral failure or a bad choice that someone makes. What I wish people understood about mental health and abusive relationships is that abuse isn't just physical, the verbal and emotional damage runs just as deep, and it builds up quietly over time. After spending 13 years in an abusive relationship, my self-worth was completely worn away. Constant emotional manipulation, being beaten, and harsh words make you feel trapped, isolated, and convinced that it’s too late to change your life. You start to believe the things you are told, and the thought of starting over after over a decade feels nearly impossible. What I want anyone in that situation to know is that it is never too late to ask for help. No matter how many years have passed, you are never too far gone, and you do not have to heal on your own. Reaching out to mental health professionals gave me the emotional and mental support I needed to rebuild my confidence and step back into my own power. Seeking help isn't a sign of weakness, it is the first and most courageous step toward taking your life back. The real strength/courage is the ability to ask for help. Sometimes it may seem like we're the only ones going through struggle but the reality often times surprises us. A lot of people are like us. Worried and afraid to reach out because of what people may say or how they see us. So speaking to someone and asking them how they are doing is making a big step towards a better culture for everyone. You can only hold up so much weight. Let it go. I wish people understood that no one just suddenly wakes up and just takes their own life. There have been many days and years that they were struggling. I wish that we would individually work towards being a safe person someone can come to. Just listen carefully and be there for the person. Don't say anything that is not helpful or makes the person worse. Your mental health is important. Worrying about what people will think if you are seeing a therapist is normal because some people in our community still think seeking help is for crazy people. They think that they can solve their problems at the bottom of a bottle. That is not true. If you don't get the help you struggle more because you are worrying about what people think, AND YOU MAKE POOR CHOICES THAT AFFECT YOU FOR LIFE. Mental health care services help you overcome the negative self-talk that convinces you the only solution is to end your life. Trust that the people in mental health care are professional, confidential, and capable of helping. Sometimes talking to someone you trust is the start of seeking help. Keeping your feelings locked up inside can be unbearable, and it leaks out when you least expect it. Believe that you can overcome because you are important and you are on this earth for a reason.
Keep educating myself and sharing that information with others willing to listen Not to doubt a victim when I see to get help or sending help for someone in a community. I will be kind to others! I am still figuring it out. As speaking out is my greatest challenge, but I support it today by wearing YELLOW. Creating spaces where people can talk openly about mental health without shame or judgment. Be respectful. Kind and always willing to help others. Kindness is free. Offer a listening ear to those around me. Just talk about the topic more; make it known it's not taboo I try to be the cheerful and kind guy in the room who makes someone's say. And I like to take time to impart knowledge on those who I think need it, even if they call me old or unc. I, alone, may not be able to make a great impact as such, but I will strive to do is to be kind and nice to others. Sometimes a compliment or a simple conversation can help someone feel better. I will make sure to always be kind for that reason. To spread awareness even amongst friends, it is always a strength to ask for help. One thing I am committed to doing to create a more stigma-free community is continuing to speak openly about my own experiences and about mental health in general. I believe that honest conversations can help people feel less alone and make it easier for others to ask for help without feeling ashamed or judged. If sharing my experiences can positively influence even one person or help change the way someone views mental health, then I believe that is a step in the right direction for our society. One thing I am committed to doing to create a more stigma-free community is?
One thing I am committed to doing to create a more stigma-free community is? Listen without judgment when people share their problems with me. One thing I am committed to doing is being more open, understanding, and supportive when people talk about their mental health. I want to help create an environment where people feel safe asking for help without fear of being judged or misunderstood. Avoid being judgmental and prejudice of others' plight, dilemma or circumstances. Promote the benefits of receiving mental health care services. Notice more and listen. Ask questions Be open and accepting of all people Call out people who belittle, stigmatize, or dismiss those who are struggling. One thing I am committed to doing to create a more stigma-free community is actively listening without judgment and validating the experiences of survivors of all forms of abuse and mental health struggles. Whether at school, at home, or in my community, I will make it clear that no matter how long someone has been trapped in a painful situation, their story matters, their trauma is valid, and it is never too late to seek help. By speaking openly about mental health, refusing to let emotional or verbal abuse be brushed under the rug, and warmly encouraging others to reach out to professionals, I hope to help create a culture where asking for support is seen as a sign of true strength. Emphasizing the usefulness of our counseling office, ask people how they're doing, being there for others, and encouraging many to show up for their friends too. I am committing to changing the narrative around suicide. Sharing my experiences I do not contribute to the stigma of different mental disorders. For example, when people think OCD is just being tidy and organized, I gently correct them and explain that it is way more complex than just being stressed about organization.
Hey, I can understand how difficult it is you are going through. I have been through it myself but giving up is not an option. Things will change I will help you and also find other help from people I know who have helped others. Be strong you are not alone. There is hope. I know life can be really hard, and you might feel anxious or hopeless, but there are better days ahead. There's a God who loves you and He won't ever give up on you. He'll never stop pursuing you. It's not an easy journey going through or recovering. Never turn to partying, drugs or alcohol; it's never a solution. Go on road trips, like in the jungle take in the fresh air and scenery. Detox yourself from all social media and devices. Have that one person you can trust and rely on to talk to whenever you see the need to. No road is easy, but we'll get there someday to that place we called PEACE! You do not have to have everything figured out right now. Whatever you are going through, you deserve support, compassion, and the opportunity to see what comes next. Please do not underestimate the importance of telling someone how you are feeling. You do not have to carry everything alone, and asking for help does not make you a burden. Sometimes you just need someone to sit with you in the difficult moment until you can see a little bit of light again. Always remember. You can remove yourself from situations that threaten your mental health. Take a walk and scream. Occupy yourself with things that make you happy. Storms don't last forever! After a storm, there's usually a big blessing waiting for you. Don't let anyone have power over your goals, dreams and emotions. Be strong, have faith, and PRAY hard. God answers prayers! Try your best to outlive the evil people in this world, like for example Trump😭 You have people that love and care for you. We are all dealing with something or carrying a burden. Just because someone hides it well doesn't mean they are living a perfect life. Always look for the good in every scenario. Whatever you are feeling is only temporary. You have so much potential and many great opportunities to come. Live your life one day at a time; you never know what happens next, which leaves a chance for hope. you are worthy and capable of great things! Leave a message for someone who may be struggling or having a difficult time right now. What would you want them to know?
I want you to know that if it seems really hard right now, it’s not the end, pain never last forever. After a storm comes sunny skies. You are not alone and however you may feel right now, always be sure to take care of yourself. It is okay to take a break; it is okay to bed rot because that is a form of self care. Listening to your body is important. Feel your pain and work on letting it go for your happiness. You are loved and seen. For a long time, hearing the cliché “it gets better” would throw me into a blind rage. It felt so generic, and when I was in the depths of my own despair, I genuinely could not understand how anyone could promise me that. I couldn’t see a future beyond what I was feeling in that moment. Now, a few years removed from some of my hardest times, I think I understand it differently. I would tell someone struggling that it can get better, especially when you receive the help you deserve and do your best to meet that help at the door. You do not have to fix everything overnight, and getting better does not mean there will never be difficult days again. Sometimes progress starts with something as small as figuring out how to make it to the gate of your own house. Then, almost without realizing how far you’ve come, you can look around one day and find that you have built an entirely different life. Maybe you have a big job you once never imagined yourself capable of doing, a loving partner who understands the bad days, and even a few new friends who make life a little brighter. So I won’t simply tell you that “it gets better.” I’ll tell you that it can get a whole lot better. Give yourself the chance to find out what your life can become. You are capable of making it through this time! It may feel dark and lonely, but there is a way out. Every day is different, and what might seem like a huge obstacle now might appear to be much more manageable tomorrow. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, I want you to know that you are not alone, and you do not have to face this pain by yourself. Your life matters, even if things feel overwhelming right now. Please reach out to someone you trust and let them know what you are going through. You deserve support, understanding, and the chance to find hope again. You do not have to have everything figured out today. Take it one moment at a time, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Leave a message for someone who may be struggling or having a difficult time right now. What would you want them to know?
Whatever you are going through right now in this moment is temporary. It will pass, and you will and can get over it. Give yourself a hug and tell yourself you are gonna be ok. You can get through this one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Give yourself grace and be patient with your healing because it takes time, but you will eventually feel like yourself again. Remember you are loved. Someone wants to listen to you. I do. There is beauty and wonder in this world. This life is your only chance to experience. Don't let anyone take that from you. If you are reading this and feeling completely overwhelmed, trapped, or alone, I need you to know that your pain is real, your story matters, and your life still holds value. When you have been broken down by verbal, emotional, or physical abuse, or when mental health struggles make every single day feel like an uphill battle, it is so easy to believe the lie that you are stuck forever. It is easy to think that too much time has passed or that you are too broken to heal. Based on my experience, please remember this: IT'S NEVER LATE TO ASK FOR HELP!! You do not have to carry this heavy weight by yourself, and you do not have to figure everything out today. Reaching out to professionals, trusted friends, or a counselor is not a defeat, it is a courageous step towards reclaiming your life. There is strength within you, even on the days you can barely feel it, and there are people ready to support you, encourage you, and walk alongside you as you rebuild. Hold on. Take it one moment at a time. You are not alone, and a brighter, safer chapter is possible. Seek for help before it's late you are not alone. You are unique, incredible, and beautiful beyond measure. Let time heal as storms never last forever, and I'll always be rooting for you! You are not alone, you do not have to carry that weight alone, share them. You are not alone. Someone is here to listen to you and at your side. Take it one day of the time. Pray to God and get the help you needed. Don't do anything that cause more pain. You are strong and can do it. Leave a message for someone who may be struggling or having a difficult time right now. What would you want them to know?
As we come to the end of this year's official Suicide Prevention Week activities, thank you to everyone in the Galen University community who participated, shared, listened, and reflected. Even though the official activities are ending, the conversation does not have to stop. By continuing to speak openly, listen without judgment, and checking in with one another, we can challenge stigma and help create a community where people feel supported, heard, and less alone. Thank you for being part of the conversation. The Galen University Counseling Office If you would like to talk with someone, seek support, or learn more about mental health and wellbeing, the Galen University Counseling Office is here for you. 📧 counseling@galen.edu.bz Keep talking. Keep listening. Keep supporting one another. With care, Galen University Counseling Office Thank YOU for being a part of Suicide Prevention Week