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What’s Beautiful About Your Voice
“In the past, have you ever attempted to seriously hurt yourself?” She means have I ever tried to kill myself. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. “Um, yeah. I’ve tried to kill myself,” I counted with...
View ArticleHow The “Out of The Darkness Walk” Helped Me Continue On
This year I was presented with the opportunity to become a member of the walk committee for our community Out of the Darkness Walk, and it was the best decision I have ever made. The Out of Darkness...
View ArticleHow I’m an Indirect Survivor
When I was six years old and my brother was four years old my mother told me how my uncle died. I was told he had a disease in his brain that made him act and feel differently. She told me he would be...
View ArticleHow to Help a Friend in Crisis
I was 15 years old when I took action to help prevent one of my close friends from taking her own life. When you’re close friends with a person there is often strong mutual trust between the two of...
View ArticleFirst Steps: Calling the Lifeline
If someone had told my seven year old self that I would become a time traveller when I got older, my daydreaming imagination would have soared. Could I go back to the periods my American Girl dolls...
View ArticleDear Leah
Dear Leah, If there was a way this letter could have gotten to you tonight, I don’t think you would have even listened. The grips of depression are relentless and intoxicating. It took years of...
View ArticleTalking With My Mom About Suicide Loss
It is hard to remember a time before I understood the meaning of the word “suicide.” My mom Joanne, who works in the mental health field, made sure it was never a taboo subject in my household despite...
View ArticleWhat It’s Like Being A Crisis Counselor
It’s a myth that asking someone if they are suicidal will suddenly implant the idea. As a highly stigmatized topic, it’s not surprising that there is misinformation about discussing it with those who...
View ArticleYou Shouldn’t Be Saying “Committed Suicide” (And Here’s Why)
Language is easily one of the most important parts of who we are as people and it plays a significant role in our everyday lives. Our need to communicate with those around is a key component of who we...
View ArticleBlack Mental Health Matters: Warning Signs and Resources for the Black Community
Did you know that the suicide rate of Black children under the age of thirteen is twice as high as their white counter parts? And the rates of Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder,...
View ArticleCreating a Culture of Suicide Prevention
What does suicide prevention mean to you? Maybe it’s something you’ve never discussed; maybe it’s something you’ve been involved in for years. Suicide prevention is a cause for everyone; it can be in...
View ArticleStarting the Conversation #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth
*If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, please call 911* September is National Suicide Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to have an open and compassionate conversation...
View ArticleHow to Help a Loved One Experiencing Suicidal Ideation
Content Warning: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Living with...
View ArticleHow to #BeThe1To Help Someone Else
Content Warning: Suicidal Thoughts If you’ve ever frequented the hallways of a middle school or high school, it’s likely that you’ve heard lots of things. Snippets of conversation, gossip, and news of...
View ArticleApplications Open! Join the 2022 Fall/Winter You Matter Blogger Council
It’s that time of year again, folks! We’re looking for bloggers to join the 2022 Fall/Winter You Matter Blogger Council. The deadline to apply is November 1st, 2022. You Matter has always been a space...
View ArticleFrom Despair to Healing: A Personal Journey Through Mental Health Struggles
I’m just going to say it…life is hard, and sometimes I want to die. Sometimes I feel a rush of unbearable sadness take over me. It turns out I’m not alone. To get through some statistics quickly — from...
View ArticleNonbinary Pride
CW: Suicidal thoughts. Happy Pride Month, everybody! I don’t know about you, but I’m proud to still be alive. My name is Fe, and I’m nonbinary. I use this term because it’s the most well-known, but...
View ArticleMy Grandma
CW: Suicide My Grandma and Grandpa have been two of the most important people in my life since the moment I was born. For just over 19 years, I never had to imagine life without either of them, until...
View ArticleRemoving Shame From Negative Coping Mechanisms to Heal
CW: Binge eating, self-harm, addiction. Most people deal with stress throughout their lives. Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways can make people more resilient and help combat chronic illness...
View ArticleThe Benefits of a Suicide Safety Plan
CW: Suicidal ideation, Suicide It can be challenging to reach out for help, especially in times of distress. Some people find it easier to deal with issues alone, even when the situation becomes...
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