Today we are talking to Matthew Henry about depression on college campuses.   

A recent study from Boston University showed that 80% of students on college campuses are struggling with their mental health. Matthew is in that 80%. Growing up in Australia, as an Indian American, he felt “less than” all of his classmates. He learned to manage his depression through playing sports. He found that being part of a team helped him feel equal to everyone else. Race didn’t matter.   

Then in middle school everything changed again when his family moved to the United States. Once again feelings of being “less than” resurfaced. And once again, he managed his way through his depression by playing sports. However, before heading to college he fell into a bad place where he felt no value to his family, his friends, his community. Searching to find peace, he wrote a suicide note.  One phone call made all of the difference in Matthew's life, perfectly timed by a friend who cared.   

Because of that friend Matthew is weeks away from graduating from Georgetown University with his MBA. He has given a TedTalk, published two books and is writing his third. He has become a champion in helping others and is known to say “ I URGE to you to reach out to someone who is going through a tough time. By reaching out you could be saving someone’s life - the way someone saved mine.”

I know Matthew's words will inspire you as much as they have me.