Facing fear
Mental wellness at TWU
October 17, 2006
Angela McCormick
Four years ago, Statistics Canada reported that those 15 to 24 years old have the highest probability of mental disorders, and yet are the least likely to utilize any health resources. What was the reason given by most anonymous survey participants? Fear - fear of undergoing judgment by friends, family, and society at large.
And so I begin this article with a message to those who may be ignoring the possibility that their extended ‘case of the blues’ might be a case of a clinical illness: there is help and there are options where anonymity can be retained. Online health questionnaires can at least provide an informal picture of your mental health; I recommend a phone call to the confidential B.C. Nurse Line at 1-866-215-4700 as a more reliable option.
Accessing the resources and personnel provided by Trinity Western University’s Wellness Centre might not be as anonymous; however, I believe this is the best option for a TWU student because my experience attests to it.
Through God’s grace, the Wellness Centre has been instrumental in my mental, physical, and spiritual recovery over the years, as I have struggled against clinical depression and, at my absolute rock-bottom point, even suicidal thoughts. TWU Wellness staff not only cared for me mentally and physically but also spiritually.
Dr. Hitchman and my counselor would pray with me when the despair was engulfing and life seemed hollow and empty. Although I am not out of the shadows just yet, I can now confidently say that my mental health has dramatically improved and I feel strong again.
Those new to campus may be shocked to learn that since 2004, three TWU students have committed suicide. The University of Victoria’s student newspaper reports that it is typical for “a 10 000-student university” to expect “at least one suicide each year” (Marlett 2003). TWU’s current enrolment is only approximately 3 000 students, and yet we are reporting the same numbers as much larger schools. It seems as though TWU is above average - but not in a good way.
I hope we will be a community that chooses not to sweep this all back under the rug. As one who has survived suicidal thoughts and is still in the process of healing from depression, I put fingers to keyboard and send our community a message: let us “boast of our weaknesses” (2 Corinthians 12), exposing them to the light within the context of our community. Above all, let us not be afraid.
Now you go...
11 Responses to “Facing fear”
Got something to say?
Just wanted to let all those on-line readers know that I have learned how to build websites specifically so I could build one that provides TWU students with all sorts of information and local contacts on such topics as depression, suicide, eating disorders, sexual and physical assault, and substance abuse.
Visit the Abuse Awareness for Students Ministry Website at:
http://members.shaw.ca/awareness4students
Thank you and I would love to hear some of your thoughts, concerns and comments!
Angela,
Good for you. You are humble enough to relate your own depression. Good for you. It will be an encouragement for other young people to read your announcenmet of help being available. Good for you!
I miss going to RPC!
Peace, Fr. John
Thanks for having the courage to challenge us all to be more aware of the struggles of depression.
I agree, I thought your article really touched on a nerve that is rarely fired. I struggle with depression myself and I’m convinced it needs to have a public context, to some extent, to find any actual resolution.
Just wanted to say how proud I am of you Angela. You are always passionate in what you do and a great mentor/friend.
Wish me luck in my new chapter.
Here’s a nice quote for the board: “Do not abandon yourself to sorrow, do not torment yourself with brooding. Gladness of heart is life to anyone, joy is what gives life of days. Give your cares the slip, console your heart, chase sorrow far away….” The New Jerusalem Bible (Eccles 30:5)
Hi Angela
Well-written. I am glad you feel better. I did not know you were depressed. Studying so much information does require reaching deep within oneself to coordinate the various views in different subjects. Keep up the rest and find quiet time each day. I go to bed early - 9 p.m. and wake up 5 p.m. I find the several queries going around in my mind have priortized themselves. I set about the one or two things I can accomplish right away. Of course after a good breakfast. I am sure your confidence also comes from realizing that your passionate studies have given you a good foundation for your daily course of action. Love and peace.
Good for you Angela,
Standing up and being a voice for many others that might be afraid to come forward. You truly are a leader in our community. May our Lord bless you with His graces for your compassionate heart.
Angela. Thank-you for the courage to write what many leave unwritten and uspoken…And what is noteworthy..is that so often those who suffer from depression are in fact the last people one would suspect…and strive to rescue…you being a prime example. To me you always were ..and still are, one of the most positive , HAPPY (!), compassionate, perseverent, strong (inner strength), , spiritually grounded and wise people i know! I always admired your exceptional ability to speak..speak to ones heart and mind, and now see that you have a gift with both the spoken and written word…I hope to read,and hear more in the future from you..and pray that your voice reaches those who are desperate for finding the light of hope to go on. Thanks once agian, and congratulations Angela! With love, Magda ( from the faraway homeland of JP2 :))
Hey Beautiful,
I am so proud of the way you are facing up to one of the biggest challenges that young people face today. Mental illness, no one likes to express how they feel but if you were to ask, most people our age will have felt some sort of depression or anxiety. It is with god’s love and the support of others that helps us through. I believe one of the biggest lies of mental illness is ‘I can do this on my own, and no one will care anyway’. Thank you for being such a bright shining light my beautiful. Be at peace and know that I pray for you and love you.
Love your kiwi girl
Anna
Angela,
Thank you for your boldness and fervor in reaching out to those who suffer in the same ways we are both very familiar with. Your companionship, compassion and understanding have been a great source of healing to me on my own road through depression and later manic depression. You truly are the salt of the earth. You bring light into the darkness. Thanks for being such a real friend. Your authenticity is always appreciated.
Love Christina Snowden
Thanks so much for sharing and creating awareness for this topic, Angela. Abuse is a serious and often forgotten plight because it can come in so many forms.