1

More often than not, irrelevance is found in the thoughts of individuals every day. Whether it be from thinking an idea is not important, to the notion that oneself does not make an impact in the world in which they live in, thoughts of insignificance are prevalent in our everyday lives. Too many people today have the mindset that whatever they do and whomever they become has no relevance or influence on the lives of those who they are surrounded by. The false notion of being insignificant is one that, unfortunately, dominates the minds of those who are already facing mental illnesses, thus leading individuals down a path in which is believed to only go in one destructive direction. The concept of “We Matter” relates to suicide prevention because it promotes positivity in a negative environment. The “We Matter” campaign works to provide support to those who may not realize that they need it during a time of confusion and darkness. In addition, the campaign also acts as a reminder that no one is ever on their own, despite what a majority of individuals often believe.

Mental health has become a major topic throughout the past decade. The number of individuals who are personally affected by a mental illness is on the rise. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the ratio of individuals in the United States that are impacted by a form of mental illness annually is close to 1 in every 5 adults. As the years have passed, the trend of negativity has escalated far beyond what one would expect in an era of growth. The negative mindset that has appeared in numerous individuals does not showcase the true potential of a person. It inhibits growth as well as developing thoughts that can lead to depression. Depression has become increasingly more prevalent among adults and children. The illness fabricates negative emotions in the victim’s mind as well as inputs false claims about the people who make up an individual’s surroundings. It is belittling and tears down a person to a point that when there is supposedly nothing good left, self-harm as well as contemplation and attempt of suicide often occurs. Unfortunately, the rate of deaths from the tragedy of committing suicide is escalating. Nearly forty-five thousand people were successful in their fatal attempts during 2016 (National Center for Health Statistics). While not all of those fatalities were a result of depression, it can be assumed that a portion of them were. The “We Matter” campaign advocates for legitimate mental health advice among those who its platform reaches. Providing good mental health advice and promoting positivity allows for the maximization of productivity in an individual as well as creating an overall improvement in one’s daily activities. Campaigns that work to educate and communicate ways of suicide prevention are a key component in the fight for life.

The phrase “I Matter, You Matter, We Matter” is one that promotes a powerful and positive mindset. It generates a community between one another; a community that is all-inclusive: a place where individuals can feel like they belong and thrive. It creates a connection that links a single individual to a movement that is just as significant and influential. When the words “I matter” are spoken, I am allowing myself to let in encouraging thoughts, that are necessary for essential self-care,into my environment. They help me realize that whatever I do will impact people other than just myself. I am capable of doing great things, even if I do not believe it at a specific moment. Any unfortunate events that took place yesterday are not relevant to what I set forth to do today, and aspire to accomplish tomorrow.

The words “you matter” and ones of similar connotationcan have a significant effect on the situation they are used in. The creation of social media has made it where people are more likely to be expressive. The platform that has been created allows others to easily voice their opinions and feelings on topics that they might not talk about in person. I can remember a specific time during my young teenage years where I noticed a concerning post on my Instagram feed. There was a picture posted by a boy around my age with a caption similar to “I don’t know what I am going to do anymore. I don’t think I can take it much longer” underneath it. This particular post worried me quite a bit as I was not close enough with the boy to know if it was just out of context or if something more serious was going on. I immediately messaged the boy through Instagram’s direct message system, informing him that if he needed someone to talk to then I would always be available. A long conversation continued between the two of us and luckily, he felt comfortable enough with me to explain what was going on in his life as well as his thoughts pertaining to it. I remember giving him words of encouragement in addition to making it known that he did indeed matter and is of much value to the world. Eventually, I believe that the events in his life began to turn around for the better and his mindset became more optimistic. This interaction has helped me realize that while words are often just words, it is the meaning behind them that truly makes a difference. By letting someone know that they matter and are given the opportunity to be heard, both individuals can connect on a personal level and help work through whatever conflicts arise.

Along with the motto of “I Matter, You Matter,” I believe that the words “we matter” act as a symbol of unity. By creating a community fueled by things such as love and camaraderie, more individuals are able to take advantage of the comfort and support that is provided. If more people were able to feel the same sense of community and belonging that I am fortunate enough to, then I believe that the well-being of more individuals would improve substantially. After hearing the numerous stories that have been presented at the Magalassi Foundation’s “We Matter”symposiums throughout the years, I have taken appreciation for how fortunate I am to be in the place that I am at both mentally and physically. Furthermore, I have determined that it is my duty to help spread the message of suicide prevention to others so that they can benefit in the same way that I have. If by circulating valuable mental health information can stop even one person from being consumed by the darkness of suicide, then progress will be able to transpire. As mankind begins to progress toward a better tomorrow, the world will hopefully begin to be a better place overall and suicide will eventually be stopped “dead in its tracks.”

Works Cited

National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Mental Health By the Numbers.”NAMI: National Alliance

on Mental Illness, National Alliance on Mental Illness,

Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers.

National Center for Health Statistics. Data Brief 293: Mortality in the United States,

2016. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017.