Thread by @MindingtheBrain, 5 days ago one of my students ended her own life.She had [...]

5 days ago one of my students ended her own life.

She had been struggling with her mental health for a while, but the social isolation and loss of her support network proved to be too much.

I am very, very sad.

I have struggled with the decision to go public with this. At first, was silent out of respect for the family (they have since posted about it). But as Chair to the Department, and as someone who is so vocal about mental health outreach, I feel the need to speak out.

Since the pandemic began, I've been regularly touching base with my students - inquiring about their mental health explicitly. When I found out the news, my first thought was: "I should have done more."

And then, a feeling of helplessness: "Why bother?"

But then I remember that the unseen statistic is the many students, friends, loved ones that are supported by mental health outreach. That are buffered by kind words and compassion and knowing someone is out there to support them.

For those of you who are reaching out regularly, caring for your students: please, keep it up. Now, more than ever, we must double down our efforts. We must keep mental health as a key focus throughout this pandemic.

As a professor, there is not much public discourse on how the death of our students might affect us. Many do not realize how their tragedies, like their successes, become our tragedies. This, coupled with the physical distancing, makes the grief all the more silenced.

However, in the conversations I have had to have with many folks in the @Carleton_U community about my student, I have felt extremely supported and cared for. Madi was a student in my class, in my program, and part of our community. We all mourn her.

If you're experiencing significant distress and/or suicidal ideation, @DistressCentreO is always there to listen. For the Carleton community, https://students.carleton.ca/wellness/ has many resources listed.
Please, reach out.