Stories from the Crisis Text Line Community
Sam – Overcoming Mental Health Struggles Through Reaching Out for Support
Battling mental health struggles and suicidal ideation can at times feel hopeless and overwhelming. But for volunteer Crisis Counselor Sam, the decision to reach out for support in his darkest moment started his path to improving and managing his mental well-being. Below is his inspirational story from enduring uncertainty over why he was struggling, to being diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and ultimately gaining control over his mental health.
Sam’s story:
Mental health has been a struggle for me throughout my life. For a long time, I didn’t understand why I had such a difficult time managing my mental health. I dealt with chronic suicidal ideation and experienced many mental health hospitalizations throughout my life.
When I was 20, I hit a massive turning point and was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. A few months after getting diagnosed with autism, I started to realize that I was experiencing autistic burnout, a state of chronic exhaustion as a result of masking autistic traits and living in a world that is not affirming of autistic people. My world was collapsing around me. I was extremely suicidal and didn’t see a point in continuing on.
Out of desperation for any kind of help, I reached out to Crisis Text Line when I was on the verge of completing suicide. My volunteer Crisis Counselor listened to what I was experiencing and helped me navigate my feelings. They helped me understand what I was going through and find resources to get through that difficult moment.
The battle through recovery started with that text. I started using Crisis Text Line as a resource when I was feeling hopeless and suicidal to help me overcome my feelings. One of the volunteers helped me find a therapist who understood neurodiversity. And slowly, I started to get better.
My story is a testament to how someone who truly sees no purpose in life can reach a full recovery. I am now a volunteer with Crisis Text Line, and I feel so privileged to help people who are undergoing the same struggles that I went through navigate through their own emotions.
No matter what you are going through, there is always hope that things will get better. No matter how dark it may seem, no matter how alone you may feel– there is always someone out there who can understand and relate to your struggles. You are capable of recovery, and it all starts with a text.
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If you are struggling and need to reach out to someone, Crisis Text Line is here for you. Text CONNECT to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Interested in sharing your story too? Each month, we will be posting stories from our community to help inspire and connect with others who may be going through similar experiences. Submit your story today! It can make a big difference in helping others feel seen, validated, and less alone.
