Whenever we discuss about mental health or physical health, many of us struggle with our personal issues. However, when hearing about close school classmates, friends that we made, passing away, it affects us in ways that we cannot always express or understand.
For example, a very dear friend, who was around the same age as myself, recently passed away unexpectedly I do not know why this happened, but I know that he struggled with many of the life challenges that he faced.
Living with my adoptive mother from 8 years old, I made several good friends during primary and secondary school. I remember visiting their parents’ homes, enjoying their company and having a good laugh cycling, running amuck and doing some crazy stuff like “Penny for the Guy” with one of us sitting in the trolley, acting as the Guy.
Despite growing apart, with all of us focusing on families, job prospects – and for myself, representing you, our students, within various committees – we have all tried to keep in touch with each other. From organising the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in memory of another friend who passed away in their late 30s, to having a social gathering where we could have a celebratory drink to reminiscence our many friends who left life too early, we valued our friendships.
That said, no matter what happens in our future, we know that time is fleeting.
Treasure the opportunities you have to spend time with your families and friends, because one day we won’t able to do this.
I know that many of you will have similar experiences, losing close friends and family members, and whilst I would love to give you my shoulder to cry on, I know that you will succeed in whatever you put your mind to. From completing the qualification degrees and single modules within The Open University, to becoming strong ambassadors representing the thousands of individuals within our communities, both young and old, you are more than capable of achieving so much in your life.
On the 18th July, I will be hosting a presentation with #Andysmanclub. As a charity, #Andysmanclub are continually engaging for the prevention of suicide within men, with peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. Their mission is to prevent other families from going through the heartache and grief caused by suicide, encouraging men to speak openly about their issues, as well as ending the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by enabling men through the power of conversaton.
So I lift my glass to all the lost and fallen, both to friends and family members we have all known.
Credit for the photo by Eyasu Etsub on Unsplash.
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