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- What happened to Amanda Todd?
ML is the Program Director and Co Founder of mindyourmind. She has a background in Art and Play therapy and over twenty years experience working directly with youth and young adults in various settings. When she’s not working she loves hanging out with family and friends in her backyard. Unabashedly, she is a pop junkie and a full fledged Gleek!
We’ve been trying to write a blog in response to the news that has captured the attention of many this weekend; a response that helps to shed some clarity around what happened to Amanda Todd. What caused this young woman to take her own life? Who or what is to blame? Why were no other options available to her? Why did she perceive suicide as her only choice up against intolerable circumstances?
Two hours later we have not really arrived to any consensus on a response. We’re stuck as we try to unpack the details. Sexual exploitation, failed systems, cyber bullying, violence, stigma…a complex interplay that requires more than any analysis that we could provide at this time.
We don’t have all the details but know that many child protection laws have been violated in this case and there is a role for all of us to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Here’s what we also know. And here’s the message that we want you, as a young person reading this blog, to hear:
Most people who have suicidal thoughts don’t necessarily want to die. They just want the emotional and mental pain to end. And for those who complete suicide, perhaps they felt it was the only way to make the pain go away. And although it doesn’t feel this way, there are options out there and there are ways to get help.
In our Help section, you will find information on how to get help for yourself, how you can help a friend, and how to get started in counselling. There’s information about how to talk to your doctor and what you can expect from counselling and therapy. At the bottom of every help page, you will also find resources that can help you find someone to talk to locally, on our Where To Call page, or someone to chat with on Find Help Chat. There are options available to you to get help. So please reach out and get help for yourself or a friend if you're going through a hard time. Start now by going to our Help section and getting informed about your options.
Reach out, get help, give help.
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Kerri
PermalinkThe recent death of Amanda Todd to suicide this past Wednesday after being bullied, off and online, makes me openly cry. I'm crying over a death of a girl I've never met. I knew nothing about her life, her family, her passions or dreams. But, I do feel like I know Amanda Todd a bit now, and for all the wrong reasons.
Yesterday, I noticed a friend on Facebook liked the page R.I.P Amanda Todd, and saw this lovely and sweet-looking girl. I was curious to know who she is, and how she was connected to my friend, so I decided to look into the page further.
What I learned was something astounding. Reading through the Facebook page content I started to piece together what happened. Then I Googled her to try and get more facts. And I was absolutely disgusted to learn of what this girl went through! This mob mentality leading to her being beat. Posting her story on YouTube to bring awareness to what she's experienced. Moving schools. Being humiliated online and at school. My heart broke further as I read more details of what this beautiful girl endured leading up to this past Wednesday.
Her YouTube video is sincere and raw. I cannot fathom how people in such a developed society can be so cruel. Wait a minute, yes I can.
I can because I too have been bullied, and still get bullied to this day, by one particular individual. People who care very much about me, have witnessed this bullying first hand, and have done what they can to stand up to the bully but with little success. I'm in my 30's and I still get bullied. Sound weird? I agree. But bullying is rampant, and sadly not just within groups of youth. I have been bullied from as far back as I can remember, by my older sister, and even now as adults she continues to bully me every instance we're in the same room. Now, as an adult, I have more strength than my high school days, and I do stand up to her now, which sadly causes her to attack me further with more force. Let's just say that her living on the other side of the world has helped lessen the abuse she regularly throws my way (although Skype calls can be brutal).
I've been blessed, because I now have friends and people surrounding me that care about me and my well being. But, because of my experience with my bully, I have zero tolerance when I personally witness this atrocious behaviour. I see it in the grocery check out line, in the movie theatre, in the shopping mall, and on the city bus. And even though I might be putting myself at risk of what others might consider humiliation in a public arena, I make a point to speak up and call out those who are bullying others.
I was lucky enough to have a support network around me to help me up when I got knocked down by my sister. And, over time, I've also worked on myself to build strength to manage my sister's bullying. Amanda Todd was showing incredible strength, and asking those around her to speak up to bullies (and speak up to HER bullies) but she got knocked down too many times.
My heart and prayers goes out to those she left that did have the chance to love this beautiful soul. Rest in paradise Amanda. I hope you understand that your efforts were never in vain.1 Like -
cg
PermalinkI breathe a sigh of relief to read this. A sensible, caring, non-sensational view to balance the upsetting snippets that seemingly inform every person as an expert.
Honestly I am so thankful that this platform exists and how do we spread this short simple commentary?
Might bring some needed perspective to others as well.
As usual great discussion over a very sad situation.2 Like
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