Luke M.

Featuring Luke Mattox

If you’re reading this, we may or may not be strangers

Despite me speaking through this page, rather than face-to-face, it is my wish that these words will bring some resemblance of comfort or serenity to whomever my audience may be.

My purpose here is to share my thoughts on mental health, with the goal of assisting those who need a friendly voice. I’m know that my words would likely be more comforting coming from a close friend or confidant. Still, despite the limitations of this medium, I want to affirm that the intention behind this letter is sincere: to help. However, if at any point this letter brings anxiety or discomfort, please stop reading and consult other letters here on this platform.

If someone–a doctor, parent, friend, partner–asked me if I’ve ever struggled with mental health, I’d confidently say no. I would, and have, brushed it off with a laugh or quick comment on the matter, smoothing over the topic with a reaffirmation of my confidence in myself and my ability to achieve my desires.

Yet, in our society, countless signals code our ego. Whether it's an algorithm, advertisement, group, or one of many constructs that buttress what we deem “society,” we’re rarely given a safe space to be our unfiltered selves.

Even our most primal thoughts are sifted through the mesh of language to dictate how we think and act. To connect to my example earlier, my advice to my reader would be to slow down and meditate.

Have I ever struggled with mental health? Through what lens am I assessing my own wellbeing? Am I lying? What aspects of my life are causing these rolling tides of emotion and anxiety within me?

As a reminder, it's okay to lie. Even now, concluding this letter, I am not too naive to recognize that words on a page, by their nature, lie. They could never communicate my true feelings or intentions regarding the topic of mental health.

We are products of our culture and society. We have been taught to keep up our outward appearance of confidence and capability. But just because it’s expected by “others,” doesn’t mean that we must shy away from asking the type of questions I laid out earlier.

We need to undress the taboo veil that obscures true discussion on mental health and learn to embrace and love ourselves. Shame, discomfort, embarrassment, regret–these, in many ways, are just words, too.

I have been fortunate enough to have people in my life to discuss my mental health questions with, but I am aware that many don’t have access to that type of support. If you’re reading this, know that I love you, and please reach out if you’re struggling with your mental health.

Luke M., Southern Methodist University

Connect With Us

To follow IfYoureReadingThis at SMU on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to SMU students, visit our chapter’s homepage.