Over the summer my classmates and I lost a friend, a sister, a roommate, and a beautiful soul. MacGregor was a beacon of light and happiness for her friends. She was our “beautiful, perfect alien.” (Thanks, Helen) Each and every time I saw her, she would smile at me and ask me how I was doing with the most genuine voice. Though MacGregor and I were not extremely close, I miss her so much.

The loss of MacGregor affected me in ways I didn’t really understand. I knew that it was time for me to talk about my experience with mental illness. Most people who know me know that I am a very open person but many asked me what the purpose of writing my article was.

As a result of the article about my experience with depression and anxiety eight people have shared their experiences publicly, two shared them with me personally, and another thanked me for educating her on the reality of mental illness. There have been a few people in my life who have started going to counseling as well.

This is exactly why I wrote it. I knew that if I was willing to talk about my depression, the conversation would not end with me.

In the wake of our loss, it is our responsibility to start the conversation surrounding mental illness on our college campus and Active Minds is helping us do that.

Active Minds is a national nonprofit organization that was created to bring about a conversation surrounding mental health on college campuses. We are here to begin the discussion, shed light on the available resources on our campus, and end the stigma.

We are not a support group but are always here to support those with mental illness by providing them with the proper resources to get help. We look to bring awareness to the reality of mental illness. On the Active Minds FAQ page, it explains “The chapters do often become support networks for members, creating a place where student advocates know that others may share similar experiences.”

Having recently received our charter, we will be hosting numerous events around campus throughout the school year in addition to our bi-monthly meetings that include therapy dogs, poster campaigns, movie nights, and our own Active Minds month. These are some of the ways we will be initiating a dialogue about mental illness on campus and discussing the ways in which it affects college students.

I am lucky enough to have friends and family who love and care about me unconditionally. My best friend Rachel knows when I’m having an off day by the tone of my voice or the characters used (and not used) in my text messages. She knows me better than most people and makes sure that I am taking care of myself all the time. Essentially, she’s my protective and incredibly loving big sister. My best friend Christina is always just a phone call or text away. When talking to her I can say one sentence and she’ll know how I’m feeling. She is my lighthouse; reminding me where home is during the darker moments. My group of friends, who I enjoy referring to as “fam,” know what I mean when I say I’m running out of spoons and they respect me. We made a decision to take care of each other and to always watch out for each other. Instead of letting certain comments pass, we address them. Because I am acutely aware of my mental health, it is my job to be aware of theirs as well.

Since I got help over the summer I have been able to connect with my friends in ways I was never able to before. We have deeper and more meaningful conversations. I am so grateful for them and words really can’t express how much I love them.

I am so excited about Active Minds because now I get the opportunity to shed light on something that has affected every aspect of my life. Not only has it affected my life, but it has touched my family members and our Wofford family as well. We have lost our classmates, our friends, our family, because of this mental illness.

I am here to talk about it. We are here to start the conversation and keep it going. It is long overdue.

If you’re reading this and struggle with any type of mental illness, we are here for you. In addition to that, the Active Minds organization stresses that “Membership is by no means limited to students who live with a mental health disorder; it is inclusive of everyone who wants to be involved.” We meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month and we would love to see you there. Join us on our journey to end the stigma against mental illness. Every voice matters.

Brother, let me be your shelter, never leave you all alone. I can be the one you call, when you’re feelin' low. Brother, let me be your fortress, when the night winds are driving on. Be the one to light the way, bring you home