Sometimes, the caregivers also need help.   

Patricia, who works for a local social services agency, was well aware of the valuable community resources available through the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. And when she faced her own crisis, she knew where to turn.

Patricia's 14-year-old daughter, Lily, was experiencing severe anxiety that impeded her ability to socialize and develop positive relationships. First, Lily withdrew from the loving people in her life and then she found a new group who were harming themselves through "cutting."

When Lily expressed she was having thoughts of suicide, Patricia knew she had to act quickly.

She contacted 2-1-1.

Patricia connected with Jessica, a Crisis Center care coordinator.  Over the next few weeks, they had multiple conversations about Lily's well-being.  Jessica connected Lily and her mom to psychiatric support so Lily could receive counseling and medication to help address her mental health needs.  Jessica coached Patricia on how to have open and honest conversations with her daughter, and encouraged her to involve the school in Lily's safety plan.

Lily's self-harm declined as Jessica and Patricia continued to talk. Lily also let her mom know she was no longer having thoughts of suicide.

In their final care coordination call, Patricia told Jessica that if the self-harm or suicidal thoughts ever became an issue again, she would contact 2-1-1 or 1-800-273-TALK so she or Lily could connect to help.

Because sometimes, even those accustomed to giving help need somewhere to turn.

Your support of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is bringing help, hope, and healing to people like Patricia and Lily. To learn more about the Crisis Center's life-saving resources, be certain to attend a lunchtime tour. Please click HERE to see upcoming tour dates and reserve your spot.