This past week I interviewed a remarkable young man whom I had never met before—Matt Stevenson. We started the interview the way I often do—over a cup of coffee. It creates an atmosphere of sharing that moves the discussions deeper into the person I’m getting to know.
Growing up, Matt did typical things with friends—lots of bike riding all over town, summer athletics, etc. Coming from Oaklawn Elementary and Menomonie Middle School, he described himself as a pretty typical student. He enjoyed playing hockey, football, and baseball.
But all of that changed for Matt in eighth grade when he began to experience depression and suicidal ideation. That was the first time that he contemplated committing suicide. “I eventually told a friend what I was thinking. She told her mom, and school counselors got involved. I was self-harming. I was hitting myself.”
With the help of counselors, the suicidal thoughts subsided. But during the winter of 2007, Matt’s sophomore year, those thoughts came back with a vengeance.
That was when Matt began to feel the pressure of school and sports. One of his coaches gave him the nickname “Boots” that he couldn’t shake. The name was picked up by teammates and “teasing” became bullying, leading Matt to feel increasingly isolated and depressed.
According to Matt, “It was kind of an accumulating storm. I began to contemplate suicide by the end of December and had even come up with a date and a plan.” He told me he planned how he would kill himself—something those contemplating suicide often do.
The anguish escalated until January 9, 2007, when Matt went home during the school day after an impromptu sports meeting that took a negative spin. “I started breaking down right in the middle of gym class. It was then that I turned to my best friend and said, ‘Tell people to remember me.’ The friend didn’t understand what I was saying. Grabbing Matt’s arm, Matt replied “No, I have to do this.” He pulled away from his friend’s grip, got into his car and drove home.
After that, the last thing he remembered was lying on the ground thinking of a friend who had completed a suicide attempt. “I thought about what his funeral had been like and about his family at the funeral. When I woke up in the hospital, my jaw was wired shut.” He had no memory of what had happened.
Looking back on that time, Matt realized that he hadn’t wanted to die, but he didn’t know how to manage all the negative emotions and physical pain that came with the feelings accompanying those strong emotions. He just wanted the pain to stop.
The damage was severe. While at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Matt said he had a lot of visitors and support from family and friends. He also noted being surprised by some of his classmates who came to visit.
Matt was at Regions from January 7 through March 3 until he transitioned back into high school attending half-days.
Realizing that sports wouldn’t be part of his future, he began to take classes in technology education. Matt attributes this change to one of his most influential teachers—Ryan Sterry, Career and Technical Education teacher at MHS. Matt said Mr. Sterry had a calm, encouraging way of teaching. He also had a good sense of humor that was a perfect fit for Matt. In fact, the two fit together so well that he asked Mr. Sterry if he could be his teaching assistant and the two worked together for two terms!
Another influential educator for Matt was Guidance Counselor Frank Buckles. Mr. Buckles helped make a smooth transition back to school and to adjusting socially, physically, and academically to his school environment.
I asked Matt how his classmates reacted when he returned. He noted that they were all supportive and that the good friends he had made before the suicide attempt remained his good friends. Many of them still are to this day.
After finishing high school, Matt attended CVTC, graduating with a certification in construction. He went on to attend UW-LaCrosse where he earned a B.S. degree in Therapeutic Recreation. While at LaCrosse, he completed an internship in Eugene, Oregon, working in an Adaptive Recreation Department. The area was perfect because he enjoyed hiking, hunting and fishing as well as anything that included being outdoors during his free time.
Today Matt is employed at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. He works in Behavioral Health on an adult psychiatric unit where he feels he can make a positive difference in the lives of those he works with. Since completing courses in nursing, Matt is also seeking certification as an RN.
Matt currently lives in Menomonie. He still hunts and fishes with his longtime friends and has added carpentry to his list of interests. Matt has created utilitarian things, such as shelving, but really wants to concentrate on constructing high-quality furniture.
Judging from the strength of purpose he has shown since his attempted suicide, I’m confident Matt will be able to meet that goal! He is rightfully proud of the fact that he has made a “healthy return” to living.
Another major goal Matt has is to use his life experiences to help others suffering from depression and isolation through public speaking, some of which he’s done at CVTC and in the Menomonie area. Matt has been written about in a CVTC article (published in MNN in 2024) for his activism in preventing suicide. He now wants to expand his speaking to larger audiences.
Having heard Matt speak briefly at the Health Dunn Right Mental Health/Community Foundation’s event at the Mabel Tainter in April (focused on mental health awareness and reducing stigma), I know he will be an outstanding speaker. (NOTE: If your organization is looking for a speaker on this important topic, I highly recommend you consider contacting Matt at [email protected]).
I asked Matt my usual final question: What do you feel are some of the qualities that made growing up in Menomonie special for you? He responded “being a small community makes it easier getting to know each other. That is one of the best ways to get through tough situations.”
I am so happy I met Matt. We talked for over an hour. He has a terrific sense of humor, a calm presence, and a willingness to share his life’s experiences. He is a remarkable young man! We are fortunate to have him as one of our own.
Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected] 
