Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, individuals and communities who experienced loss, trauma, and heartbreak this past week in Greenville. Every child and every person deserves to be safe and know that they are cared about, loved and cherished no matter what. You are loved, you are cared about, and you are cherished. If you do need someone to talk to, please reach out. You are not alone.
HERE ARE 15 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT YOURSELF AND OTHERS TODAY AND EVERYDAY
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1) Prioritize taking some time each and every day to do something that brings you joy. You deserve it.
2) Share some good vibes and accept compliments when they come your way. You deserve them.
3) Ask for help. Accept help. Give help when you can. Learn more at Seize the Awkward | Talk With A Friend About Mental Health
4) Do some kind of fun or rewarding physical activity that helps you feel grounded and connected to yourself. Walk, swim, sing, wave your arms in the air.
5) Build your community. Talk with friends and family, a support group, or even just connect with peers or acquaintances. Remember, Peer to Peer is available every Tuesday around 6:00p at the Center, Up All Night is every Friday from 10:00p-2:00a, and Drop-In is open every Saturday from 11:00-1:00p. LGBTQ+ Families Group is the 1st Saturday of every month from 1:00-3:00pm. Friends of Bob and Dorothy AA is every Monday at 7:00p. Drum Circle is the 4th Sundays at 2:00p. Health & Wellness Resources are available 3rd Thursdays from 4:00-7:00p.
6) Create and refer to your personal Resilience Toolkit
7) Need to connect with someone immediately? Text HOME to the crisis text chat at 741741, even if you just need to vent or get some fresh perspective. https://www.crisistextline.org
8) Call 988 to talk to someone live 24/7 – YES – LGBTQ+ people of all ages are still welcome and encouraged to use this resource despite recent changes to the press 3 option.
9) Remember, it’s always okay to cry for any reason…If you need help processing your emotions, contact a local counselor, 988 or text HOME to 7417471. That’s exactly why they are there.
10) Connect with a counselor or bereavement or grief resources if you’re struggling with how to process loss. There are many resources in Greenville and Darke County, and you can check with your doctor or providers if you need help finding the right one. If you’ve lost someone to suicide, you might also consider this resource from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
11) If you’re struggling with talking about loss or don’t know how to talk with children, family, friends, loved ones and community members, consider the resources provided at the Community Grief Services on Saturday, September 6th at the Greenville Middle School. (They can also be helpful for adult conversations.)
12) Find ways to turn the energy of grief and pain into positive action and putting good into the world such as supporting a cause or offering support to someone who may be struggling or grieving. Do something to make the world a better place for all of us. It can be as simple as picking up a piece of litter, or as big as changing a policy or law. Something that lifts you up and others, too.
13) Learn how to be part of the change of in suicide prevention advocacy:
- Suicide Prevention Month 2025 – Resources & Awareness | NAMI
- 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit | SAMHSA
- National Recovery Month | SAMHSA
- What Is Suicide Postvention? | Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors
- Action Alliance Framework for Successful Messaging | Action Alliance Framework for Successful Messaging
- Suicide Prevention Coalition
14) If you are ever experiencing your own thoughts of suicide, call 988 right away. No matter what else is going on, you matter.
15) Remember, you are loved and cared about by someone somewhere all the time. This community cares.