JWP speaker shares harrowing experience

Anxiety, depression, and suicide are serious topics that are tough to discuss.

On Thursday, April 27, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton invited speaker Emma Benoit to tackle these mental health topics with JWP students in grades 5-12 along with Trinity Lutheran’s students grades 5-8.

Sponsored by Greater Mankato United Way, the program featured a film “My Ascension,” which was two hours long and documented Benoit’s journey tackling mental health and bringing awareness to it. After the film, those attending were given the chance to submit anonymous questions for Benoit to answer; some were also able to meet with her one-on-one.

The film’s name was inspired by the county of Ascension Parish, Louisiana where Benoit was raised.

When Benoit was 16, she attempted suicide using a firearm. Although her shot wasn’t fatal, she would have died had it not been for her mother finding her in the house and calling 911 right away. The shot, however, paralyzed her, leaving her with what doctors estimated at a one percent chance of ever walking again; Today, about five years later, she can walk with some assistance, but most of the time, she uses a wheelchair.

According to her testimony in the film “My Ascension,” she spent most of her senior year either learning from home or visiting the hospital. She did join her graduating class when receiving her high school diploma from Dutch Town High School.

Benoit suffers from anxiety and depression. Her suicide attempt inspired her to bring more awareness to mental health and to break the stigma of talking about it.

“Many people never suspected me because I seemed fine on the outside,” Benoit said in the film. “But on the inside, I was dying.”

She admitted that she also was afraid to tell her parents about her anxiety and depression. “I thought they would be disappointed in me,” she said. “They were afraid, and parents are going to be afraid because they care about you.”

She visited with Louisiana State University professors to learn more about the science behind depression and anxiety, choosing to become a speaker in the process. She felt a calling to share her story and help those facing their own battles with mental health.

At a rally for Mental Health Awareness Month, Benoit met Karyn Poche, who was going through her own battle with depression. Sadly, Poche died from suicide shortly after, prompting Benoit to visit her hometown school in Lutcher, Louisiana.

During a program at Lutcher High School, one of Poche’s best friends, Maddi Beier, described what depression was like. “It’s like treading water and something is pulling you down. Those of us that are treading water need help.”

Ever since, Benoit has been traveling the United States sharing her story with others and trying to have more open discussions about mental health.

After the film ended, a panel of nine joined Benoit, sharing a few resources and their own stories related to mental health. The panel included JWP school psychologist and MSU Mankato professor Laura Strunk, elementary social worker Kaylee Warner, Father Brian Mulligan of St. Ann Catholic Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church Pastor Kristian Bjornstad.

Father Mulligan shared that he knew seven people close to him who committed suicide. His message to the students was, “Remember that God made you as you. You’re the only you there is.”

Pastor Bjornstad concurred, adding that he and the staff at Trinity Lutheran want the school and church to be a “safe, loving community.”

Strunk knew a person in high school who dealt with depression. “I became his person to come to in times of trouble,” she said. “I still am today, and I am thankful he is still here with us.”

Warner said that, as a social worker, she understands that students may be scared to talk with her. “Some may be afraid of what will happen to them if they talk to us,” she said. “But we’re here for you. We care about you. Our doors are always open.”

During the Q&A session, Benoit wrapped it up best. Concerning dealing with depression if a therapist isn’t working out, she said, “It’s something you won’t fix overnight. You have to work on it and put in the time. It isn’t easy, but I’ve been working on it and have never been happier.”