- Campus
- 09/09/2026
Walking into the light with a conversation about suicide
In the darkness, a group of participants set out Wednesday morning for a special walk across the TU/e campus. During Walk into the Light, they literally walked toward the light, while conversations along the way touched on suicide, mental health and loneliness. The main message: “Ask someone if they are thinking about suicide.”
At six in the morning, it is still dark and cold in the Markthal. Jesse van Meer welcomes around 35 participants to Walk into the Light, an event that the Donatues foundation has brought to the TU/e campus for the first time. Co-founder Mara Gianotten then shares her own experience of having suicidal thoughts.
“I know how difficult it can be to talk to others about this, because you don’t know how someone will react and because you don’t want to be a burden. But I found that friends, family and even strangers are willing to make time to listen to you. They will tell you that the world is a better place because you exist. You are not a burden, and you are not alone.”
“Ask about it”
Gianotten calls for making mental health a topic people feel comfortable talking about. “If you see someone who is struggling, ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts. That can be a turning point for that person.” Even when it is not apparent that someone is struggling, talking about feelings can be valuable, she emphasizes. “The brightest smiles can hide the deepest pain.”
Walk into the Light
A walk toward the light, both literally and figuratively. Walk into the Light is a nationwide event held annually in September during Suicide Prevention Week. Donatues organized the event on the TU/e campus for the first time this year.
From September 7 through 13, 2026, the Netherlands is observing its national Week of Suicide Prevention, organized by the Suicide Prevention Center. The campaign draws attention to people who are struggling, feeling lonely or experiencing depressive thoughts. Its theme is: “Asking the question can save a life.”
The route runs from the Markthal across campus toward the exit on Insulindelaan. From there, participants cross the road and walk a loop around Karpendonkse Plas. As the morning gradually gets lighter, the conversations become more intense as well.
Erik van der Geer-Rutten-Rijswijk, secretary of the Executive Board, is also taking part. He considers the walk a valuable initiative. “A visible event lowers the threshold. I had some really meaningful conversations this morning. I hope the taboo disappears and that students start talking to each other.”
Eye-opener
Jesse van Meer is pleased with the turnout and the atmosphere, but hopes the walk will lead to further action. “As Donatues, we hope this simple event will be an eye-opener for TU/e and encourage it to take further steps toward suicide prevention.”
He points to Fontys and other educational institutions, where the 1K Z1E J3 initiative is visible on campus. “We hope TU/e will also put plaques on benches around campus.”
The code stands for “Ik zie je” (“I see you”). The plaques feature a QR code linking to an online training course from 113 Suicide Prevention.
A message
Donatues focuses in particular on gifted and neurodivergent students and believes it is important to make room for suicide prevention at TU/e as well. “Unfortunately, suicide and isolation are also common among neurodivergent people, and sometimes even more so,” says Van Meer. “We want an inclusive and socially safe environment for everyone.”
He also has a message for TU/e. “You can have the ambition to be the university with the most personal, connected and seamlessly functioning support processes in the Netherlands by 2035, but there is still work to be done to get there. The same goes for the core values. Putting them on the windows doesn’t make a difference; it starts with doing the right thing, or at least heading in the right direction.”
Van der Geer-Rutten-Rijswijk points to the existing TU/e support system, which includes academic advisors and Confidential Contact Persons (CCPs). In his view, further steps in prevention are also a matter for TU/e’s Wellbeing Network.
The sun comes up
After four kilometers, the participants return to the starting point at the Markthal. It is now fully light outside. Gianotten, Van Meer and the third Donatues team member, Thijs Hendal, quickly prepare breakfast.
As they spread sandwiches, drink juice and peel fruit, participants continue talking about their personal experiences before starting their work or study day. Because sometimes, the first step toward the light simply begins with a conversation.
Want to talk about suicide?
You can reach out to Mara Gianotten at Donatues or contact your academic advisor. TU/e also has Confidential Contact Persons (CCPs). You can also call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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