The Daisy Project
Gamma Phi Beta’s Daisy Project is a tradition rooted in sisterhood and appreciation within our chapter. Our mission is to spread kindness and encouragement throughout the community. Stop by Dexter Lawn 10 am-3 pm April 30th to be part of the conversation.
Halle’s Story
It was fourth grade when I first noticed something wasn’t quite right. If I didn’t wash my hands five times before I left my house, something bad would happen (or at least that’s what my brain was telling me). At the age of nine, I started therapy. It was hard to explain to an adult what my brain was telling me because I couldn’t even explain it myself. When I entered middle school, I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. I felt embarrassed, like something was seriously wrong with me. Things weren’t getting better, I just got better at faking it. I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t spend time with my friends. I finally had to accept that I needed more help. I started medication that was supposed to help regulate my mood and help the urges subside. Well it worked, for a while. But by the time I reached junior year, I watched as I slowly spiraled into the depths of my OCD. I lost my appetite almost completely, my hair started falling out and the stress was nonstop. I was in therapy almost weekly, doing everything I could, but it felt like I was stuck in a loop that I couldn't escape. Eventually, I switched medications and was working really hard to feel better; journaling my feelings, getting my body moving and starting to express my feelings to my parents. Slowly, I began to feel better. Tasks that once seemed impossible began to feel more manageable. By the time I reached senior year, I realized I didn’t want to hide anymore. I wanted to help break the stigma around mental health, especially when it comes to anxiety and OCD. I learned honesty, how to open up to those around me, and within that I found a community I never had before. Sharing my story helped some of my friends to be honest with themselves too, and I found myself in deeper friendships than I had prior. Starting college, I made a promise to myself to be as open and honest as I could about my experience. OCD no longer controls my life like it once did. Don’t get me wrong, some days I still struggle, but I refuse to let it have such a strong grip on my life anymore. OCD is a part of my life, but it does not have the power to control me.
Delaney’s Story
My life has always been filled with love and happiness. I’ve been blessed with incredible friends, a supportive family, and amazing opportunities. Yet beneath the surface, I’ve wrestled for years with the shadows of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I felt guilty for feeling that way when I had every reason to be content, but I let my thoughts spiral, pushing away the people I love. I never wanted to seem weak or be a burden, so I suffered in silence for far too long. I even grew resentful that no one noticed something was wrong, even though I never spoke up.
I reached a point where I felt like I had nothing to live for, feeling suffocated by my own despair. My chest constantly ached, each breath a battle against the tide of suicidal thoughts, until I could no longer carry the weight alone. Admitting to my mom that I was struggling was the hardest, yet most important, turning point in my life. It took time to figure out what worked for me, trying different medications and mindfulness practices all while shifting my perspective. The right prescription and daily gratitude practice completely transformed my life. Each day, I photographed a single moment of joy, leading to a mindset where I was constantly looking for the positive. I find a reason to wake up each day, whether it’s plans with a friend, a leadership role, or even my morning tea. The little things truly add up to create a beautiful life. Though I’m not 100% every day, most days are filled with real smiles, a heart that leans toward hope, and a deep love for the life I now call my own. However, I never would have gotten to this point if I hadn’t spoken up and leaned on the most important people in my life.
I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be here today had I not taken that daunting first step. Don’t be afraid to speak your truth, seek professional help, and put in the effort to find peace. Even when the path feels heavy, take one small step toward your happiness. There is light to be found, and countless free resources to help guide you there. Lean on those around you and remember: you are never a burden. Thank you to Gamma Phi for advocating for such an important cause and being the support system I needed.
Ashley’s Story
Grief isn't something that comes with a guidebook. When I lost my best friend to suicide, I felt a kind of pain that, to this day, is still hard for me to carry. Though I wish I could do everything in my power to turn back the time to tell him once more how much I love him, this hardship has taught me that time is everything. Take the time to hug the people you love and treat everyone with kindness, because you never truly know what someone is really going through until they are gone.
Though I only had the privilege of becoming close with my friend for 2 short years, it felt like I had known him my entire life. He was truly one of a kind. The perfect student, the star athlete, and the rock I always knew I could depend on. Not only did he light up every single room he walked into, but he had this remarkable way of making sure everybody felt understood. During the darkest moments of my life when I thought so poorly of myself, he never judged me for who I was and genuinely wanted the best for me. He was somebody who always went the extra mile for the people in his life to put their happiness over his own. Every single day, I wished to be as compassionate and caring as him, and I still aspire to be to this day.
At only 13, coming to terms with my first encounter of death, especially the suicide of someone so close to me, deeply impacted my mental health. For months, I spiraled into regret, wondering if I could have said anything else to change what had happened. However, as time moved on, I began to realize that as heartbroken as I was, nothing I did would be able to fix the past. Instead, I chose to live in a way that honored his memory. As cliche as it sounds, I found myself asking, “What would he tell me to do?” and repeating to myself, “Do it for him,” in moments where I deeply doubted myself. From that point on, I found myself gaining the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone with him on my shoulder, using him as an inspiration for everything I faced. Without his words and encouragement, I truly do not believe I would be where I am today.
Not a day goes by where I don’t think of my friend. The pain of his passing is not something I believe I will ever get over, but it has become a part of my life that I have learned to carry with grace. I aspire to continue telling his story, hoping to spread even a trace of the joy he effortlessly gave to everyone around him. Losing him showed me how deeply someone can be struggling behind their smile. Suicide awareness is not just about recognizing the signs; it is about making sure the people you love and care about never feel alone. We may never know the battles others are fighting, but we can choose to walk beside them. Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you and hold them close, because you never know if you will get the chance to say goodbye.
We are here for you.
— Gamma Phi Beta SLO