A personal note from our founder, Doug Geiger:
“I lost my father when I was sixteen, in January. The cancer that took his life was diagnosed six months prior and his health deteriorated rapidly from that point on. For years afterward, the holidays were a constant reminder of his absence. At a time when everyone else seemed to be happy and celebrating, I found my thoughts turning inward and I can say in hindsight that I struggled. Now that I have a family of my own to share the season with, to carve a pumpkin with and to create my own traditions, each year brings more joy but I still remember what it was like to feel that void.”
It’s our sincere hope that if you find yourself struggling with these invisible monsters of depression and anxiety that you know you aren’t alone, and that there is help.
We’d encourage you to reach out and talk about what you’re feeling with the people in your life. And if you happen to be one of those who is unaffected by the burden of anxiety and depression, do your best to be there for those who might need you when you can. Sometimes a simple conversation can be all that’s needed to remind someone of their humanity and to give them hope.
We do feel it’s important to say that sometimes professional help is needed, please do not be afraid to ask for it. We all struggle, sometimes the burden can be too much. There is help to ease that weight.
To that end, we wanted to offer some links to resources that may help-
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been providing those in need with assistance for the past 12 years. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
This link also provides numbers specifically for veterans in crisis, options for the deaf and hearing impaired as well as the Disaster Distress Helpline:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
The Anxiety And Depression Association of America offers several ways of helping, from locating a therapist to joining group discussions to help manage your depression and anxiety:
https://adaa.org/finding-help
The National Alliance on Mental Illness also offers some straightforward ways of finding the help you need, and is a good resource for those looking to help identify warning signs in friends of loved ones to make sure they get the help that they need:
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Support
Take care of yourself, and take care of those you hold dear.
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