Unmasking the Struggle: Shedding Light on Mental Health and Youth Empathy

This week weighs heavily on my heart, surpassing the challenges posed by any other holiday or birthday. April 11th signifies the fourth anniversary of our tragically losing my daughter, Maddie, to suicide. It remains eternally etched as the saddest day of my life.

These past four years without Maddie have taught me profound lessons about myself and the prevalence of mental illness in our society. While mental health struggles have become more prevalent, so has the awareness of available help. Interestingly, the support is not primarily derived from government initiatives but rather spreads organically through the experiences and voices of those touched by mental illness.

Perhaps due to my personal sensitivity to the subject, I perceive a heightened consciousness among people's willingness to discuss mental health openly. It is my belief that governmental bodies are falling short in addressing this issue, but a grassroots movement is allowing individuals to engage in conversations about depression with greater transparency than ever before. Notably, our children are at the forefront of sensitivity and support for mental illness, uniting to help one another through empathy and compassion.

Initiatives like the Maddie Project and Jack.org are vital in raising awareness of youth mental illness. The messengers are the kids themselves, sharing relatable experiences and connecting with their peers. The message is simple yet profound: to always help and support one another.

While we may not be able to save every soul, striving to save even one more than we did last week is an attainable goal.

Both my children, Zac and Sawyer, proudly serve as Ambassadors of the Maddie Project. Zac, in particular, has fearlessly addressed over 10,000 students and faculty across 25 schools in the GTA. Those who have witnessed his speeches marvel at his strength in tackling such a difficult and deeply personal subject. Despite the challenges, Zac believes that young people can make a difference, as no one understands a teenage’ struggles better than their peers. He feels compelled to share his story, hoping it can change even one life.

This week will be particularly arduous for my boys, especially Zac. Often perceived as calm and collected, Zac carries a profound longing for his sister, wishing to spare other children from experiencing the same loss he and Sawyer have endured. Both of them have been forced to mature far beyond their years, grappling with a burden no child should bear at any age.

While the frequency of texts, calls, and emails seeking assistance may have diminished, I still receive enough of them. People often express apprehension, fearing their inquiries might reopen past wounds. Yet, the opposite holds true—I am more than willing to help, and I take pride in all three of my children's impact in aiding others.

Requests continue to pour in from across Ontario, asking if Zac can address their schools, support mental health initiatives, or designate The Maddie Project as their school charity for the year. More importantly, people persist in engaging in conversations and seeking help. Many still struggle, but fewer suffer in isolation and silence. As someone who has been candid about my own battles with depression, I hope everyone can one day ask for help.

Although I cannot claim credit for The Maddie Project's accomplishments, an immense sense of pride wells within me as I watch Zac speak and witness the profound impact his words and unwavering passion have on children and parents alike. Last weekend, former Premier Kathleen Wynne, who shared the stage with Zac, approached him afterward, shaking his hand and expressing gratitude and well wishes. These are the moments of pride that a parent clings to forever.

Today will be a challenging day. Some mornings bring sadness, others anger, and still, some mornings offer gratitude. After four years without Maddie, I cherish the moments we shared. The memories that bring a smile to my face or fill me with immense pride. A part of Maddie lives on in my boys and the hearts of all who knew her. When Zac takes the stage, he not only represents The Maddie Project but also speaks on behalf of Maddie herself.