‘Truly inspiring’: Praise for student who overcame suicide attempts to gain her degree
A LOUGHBOROUGH University graduate has won praise for showing “incredible strength” as she gained her degree while battling anxiety, an eating disorder, and self-harm.
Leah Langley graduated with a degree in sport and exercise psychology this summer – but few students can have faced more severe challenges.
In her first year of studies in 2017, her condition deteriorated to the point where she attempted to take her own life.
Given a leave of absence to help her focus on her recovery without the pressures of studying, she was able to return to Loughborough in 2019.
But as she resumed her studies, she made further attempts on her life as she fought depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and alcoholism.
Leah was helped by mental health support worker, Kate Wigham, who met with her every week to discuss her academic and personal life.
The pair set small goals Leah could focus on over short periods, with the university making adjustments for exams and coursework.
Kate said: “I’ve been very fortunate to support Leah throughout her time here at Loughborough.
“Despite the many challenges she has faced over the years, Leah has shown incredible strength, determination and compassion to both herself and others.
“She’s made many positive changes during her journey, and her story is truly inspiring to others.”
Leah found comfort in joining the student union’s volunteering group Action, as well as LSU Media, the union’s creative arm, which allowed her to reconnect with her love of words.
LSU Media allowed her to publish her writing, which, with her growing confidence, allowed her to explore some of the problems she has faced.
It also inspired her to aim for a career in sports journalism, which she plans to study at post-graduate level at Staffordshire University in the autumn.
While at Loughborough, she also became involved in Action, the student union’s volunteering and community involvement section.
Here she made friends and took on organising responsibilities.
Leah said: “The committee helped push me out of my comfort zone, and I went from a shy and timid fresher to someone leading their own events and teams.
“The skills I gained through Action also played well into my academia, as I had more confidence and was able to advocate for myself better - it helped me to realise I was capable of great things.”
Leah was determined to continue inspiring others by taking up a role as a Student Ambassador. Through this role, she also worked as a student buddy for Christmas Festivities, supporting students on campus.
In February, during LGBT+ History Month, Leah shared Seen Beyond Measure, a heartfelt poem describing her experiences of being gay at university and how she finally felt accepted for who she was.
Earlier in the summer, she received a Loughborough Academic Award for department committee member of the year and was shortlisted for a Loughborough Experience Award.
And to top it all off, last month she was delighted to discover she would be graduating with a 2:1.
When asked what advice she would give to others thinking of coming to university, Leah said: “Take the leap and be honest about what you need.
“I was scared that I would be judged and misunderstood, and I was also ashamed to admit that I needed help, but once I did, everything changed, and my life could properly begin.”