What if everything you’re going through is actually preparing you for what you dream of?
Every setback, challenge, win, and moment in between is a reason. As annoying as that may sound, think about it like this: People drift away without warning, and no matter the relation, bond, or history, they have the power to choose whether they want to stay in your life or not. In the same way, we meet new people, and the friendships that fade away carve out space for new ones to grow. We have the power to choose how we react to those losses, choosing empowerment rather than victimhood. There are people you don’t know yet that will teach you a lesson, and sometimes it will take painful setbacks to get further down the road. There’s more room for growth.
Remember that your struggles don’t define you.
Learning how to navigate life with them, you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and who you are becoming. “How do I become the best version of myself? And what if the person I am right now is the best version of myself?” By all means, take as much time as you need to get to know every version. Rome wasn’t built in a day…
Realize that everything is happening to you.
Because you are unique.
The Power of Community.
“Books and films may act as sources of social support or mental health literacy and thus reduce the suicide risk constituted by low sense of belonging.” (Kasahara-Kiritani et al., 2015, p. 15940).
Stories, whether read in books or seen in movies, remind us that we’re part of a community and are not alone. Sometimes they give us lifelines, providing comfort in times of isolation and need.
Yet, among the vast amounts of media that exist, a real human connection can never be replaced. The reason we turn towards the media is to feel understood, and the media provides a social connection, overall creating a community for those who may feel marginalized.
Movies and Books Recommendations:
The Bell Jar — Sylvia Plath (1963)
/️ The Perks of Being a Wallflower — Stephen Chbosky (1999 book / 2012 film)
I Who Have Never Known Men — Jacqueline Harpman (1995)
️ Aftersun — directed by Charlotte Wells (2022)
️ Frances Ha — directed by Noah Baumbach (2012)
I Had a Black Dog — Matthew Johnstone (2005)
️ Petite Maman — directed by Céline Sciamma (2021)
Elevation — Stephen King (2018)
️ Everything Everywhere All at Once — directed by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (2022)
These are not meant to replace real human interaction.
In the end, the stories that resonate the most with us are those that make us feel understood, seen, and connected. Nothing is more valuable than speaking to a friend or professional who will foster your thought process, sharing their same stories and experiences.
Speaking up takes courage. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
There are several ways to help a loved one with anxiety, stress, self-image issues, depression, and family concerns. Some you learn through experiences, some you learn through research, and most importantly, you learn from observing.
Start by understanding the symptoms.
Changes in:
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Energy
- Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or restlessness.
Don’t try to understand the emotions you don’t feel. Sit down and listen to what they’re experiencing by encouraging open communication.
While offering support, it’s important to take care of your own health by practicing self-care, dedicating time to your passions, hobbies, and loved ones, and seeking support from professional resources as well! Maintaining this balance allows you to be fully present for your loved one while protecting your own mental health.
National Suicide Awareness Month is in September, and the 10th is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day.
Learn, observe, and speak out!
It could potentially save a life, including your own. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.
You can contact the Counseling Center on the Statesboro campus at 912-478-5541 or the Armstrong campus at 912-344-2529.
For immediate help, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
References:
Reading Books and Watching Films as a Protective Factor against Suicidal Ideation – PMC
