One of my favorite topics has re-entered the news again, as Chris Christie officially signs the Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act. This suicide prevention bill demands that all colleges and universities in New Jersey supply 24/7 help and services to students struggling with suicide ideation. These services will be conducted by mental health professionals, with sincere intention to prevent suicides from happening not only on college campuses, but to college students anywhere. It's sad that it took the death of a beautiful girl to finally recognize how important mental health services are to this age group, and the world as a whole.
It's a story I'm rather obsessed with, and one that has touched the hearts of so many Americans. Madison Holleran was an Allendale, New Jersey native. A Northern Highlands Regional High School track and soccer star. A freshman track athlete at the University of Pennsylvania. She had a lot going for her, as it seemed-- a loving family, a ton of friends, a blossoming sports career and a promising future. But her smile did not show the pain she was hiding. Her Instagram highlighted her state of "pure happiness," not the demonic monsters she was fighting on the inside. Madison was just 19 when she deemed her life not tolerable anymore. She jumped from the top of a parking garage in Philadelphia on Jan. 17, 2014. A lot can be learned from Madison Holleran's tragic story.
Through her and the too-soon losses of many others, we can recognize that pain is not always visible. Sometimes the worst kind of pain strikes on the inside. This is just another reason to be kind to all we encounter. You never know what kind of battle they are fighting on the inside, for it may not show until it's too late.
Through Madison's tale, it is evident what people use social media for--a show. As worthless and torn as she felt, she made sure her followers saw the opposite. Her efforts to draw any attention away from what she was actually feeling deserved an award. I dare you to go to her Instagram and find one picture where she can be described as depressed. The point is, you won't. She used social media to hide behind, as she deeply continued to struggle for months. The sad truth is there are people on your newsfeed doing the same, and we overlook that everyday. Don't assume someone's life is perfect because of the way it is portrayed.
The most important fact Madison Holleran's death leaves us with is that depression is real. It is not an illusion, an overdramatic episode or the result of one bad day. It is not a longing for attention, nor a way to seek sympathy. It is an illness-- one that places third for the causes of death amongst youth 10 to 24 in New Jersey. Depression is like an invisible cut that won't stop bleeding, a silent baby that won't stop crying. It lingers in one's bones until reaching a point of total domination, if we let it. People like Madison Holleran felt desperately trapped. "I thought how unpleasant it was to be locked out, and I thought how it is worse perhaps to be locked in”--a cringing quote from Madison's suicide note. Anyone who has or does suffer from depression can relate to this feeling of their walls metaphorically caving in. They're not delusional. They're not having a psychotic break. They're depressed. And they need help. Thank you, Madison Holleran, for being another soul to prove how real mental illnesses are. Thank you to the Holleran family for this cause you continue to fight for. Thank you Chris Christie for signing an act that can potentially save hundreds of young lives annually.
As always, if you or someone you know is struggling with depression don't ever hesitate to call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), reach out to loved ones and seek professional help. Let's continue the fight against depression before another beautiful life is lost.
