5 years after the death of Amanda Todd, her story still resonates
Carol Todd says 15-year-old daughter's story shows the need for open discussion about depression
In the five years since B.C. teen Amanda Todd died by suicide, her mother Carol Todd has been working toward raising awareness about mental health issues and depression among teens.
Now, on this unhappy anniversary, her mother Carol Todd says her daughter's death still reflects ongoing problems with online bullying and harassment.
"Her story resonates in people because it could hit close to home. It's not only if you're affected, it's about if you have a family member or friend who's affected," Todd told CBC News.
Amanda took her own life on Oct. 10, 2012, after posting a video on YouTube saying she had been blackmailed by an online predator.
In the video, the 15-year-old held up flashcards explaining how she sank into depression after being taunted and physically attacked at school.
Painful message
Her mother has watched that video countless times in the past five years as she spoke with parents, teenagers and communities across the country about mental health and how to help loved ones who are suffering.
"When Amanda was alive six years ago, I remember struggling to find resources. I had to ask and ask and dig, and now it's a lot easier to find help and support," Todd said.
"But I'm also concerned at the number of people we see with depression, anxiety, that go untreated."
Landmarks Light Up Purple
To mark the anniversary of Amanda's death — which just happens to fall on World Mental Health Day — her mother started the Light Up Purple campaign.
Every year on Oct. 10, world landmarks and public buildings are lit in Amanda's favourite colour to spark conversations about mental illness.
Last year, the London Eye ferris wheel participated. This year, Toronto's Bloor Viaduct — a frequent site for suicides — will be purple as well.
While Todd feels many people have become more open about their mental health in the years since Amanda died, cyber-bullying is still a problem with the capacity to ruin lives.
"We have to be a more compassionate society these days in order to make it go away," Todd said.
The message she stresses when people reach out to her with stories of their struggles is that empathy is crucial.
"I always tell young people, you have to look after yourself physically, emotionally, and be kind to each other," Todd said.
With files from Jesse Johnston
