Brothers,

I’d like to wish you the happiest and most joyful of holiday seasons. From celebrating with loved ones to ushering in a New Year, this season brings many of us happiness and hope. But, many…isn’t all of us. I’m acutely reminded that this can also be a time of anxiety, uncertainty and loneliness.

As we enter this holiday season, if you’re struggling for whatever reason, I would like to remind you that you are not alone and that the world is a better place with you in it. Whatever you are facing, know that there are people eager to help you. Please look to your friends, family and brothers for support.

The closer we are to one another, the more we share the bounty and the burdens. Our Ritual encourages – should a brother fall by the wayside – let it be a brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon who first comes to his aid.

Because the holiday season can be a particularly lonely time, if you’re in a position to help, I encourage you to reach out to someone to show you care…because you care. Invite someone to coffee or dinner or even to your home for the holidays. If you haven’t spoken to a brother or friend in too long, what better time than now to reach out, say hello and wish them well? It could be the greatest gift you’ll give during this season.

This year alone, we’ve lost a number of our brothers to suicide. I’m sure there are others who are battling addiction, depression, loneliness, anxiety or hopelessness. I’m deeply troubled by these losses and the ongoing struggles our brothers face. I want you to know SigEp is working diligently to develop resources to help our brothers better cope with mental health challenges. I hope you’ll join us in our mission to promote mental wellness across our Fraternity. Each of us can play an important role in reaching out to connect with others who connect to our life in some way.

More than anything, that’s why I’m reaching out to you. It’s just a good time to say, “I love you, brother.” Even if we’ve never met, even if we never will…I love you! We’re united by something bigger than ourselves, a commitment to each other through shared values. Our Cardinal Principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love have never been needed more in our troubled world. I hope we will remain committed to them, as we will to each other.

With appreciation and brotherly love,

Billy Maddalon
North Carolina State ‘90
Grand President

PS: If you or someone you know needs help, please consider the following resources, and take care of each other:

• Findahelpline.com is the world’s largest resource of mental health and crisis helplines, offering immediate emotional support over phone, text or web chat.
• Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.