Q&A with Patrick Tor Sriwong

Our dedicated volunteer spokespeople play a vital role in spreading the word about our critical service. By sharing their voices, stories, and passion for mental health, they help raise awareness, break down stigma, and ensure more people know that free, 24/7 support is just a text away. Their commitment extends our reach and strengthens our mission to be there for anyone in need.

Q: Can you share a bit about your mental health journey and how it has shaped who you are today?
A: I constantly struggled with my mental health for a long time. I’d often wonder why I was made to feel this way, and figured I was just doomed to just stay like this my entire life. While it’s not something I enjoyed going through, it did overall help me become a better person by teaching me to be more resilient and emphatic. I realized that a lot of people out there are silently struggling and that you never truly know what someone is going through.

Q: What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you work through them?
A: I dealt with a lot of personal challenges along the way. I’d get bullied at school, never felt too supported at home, and never really had anyone I felt like I could talk to. I ended up hating myself and feeling like I wasn’t worth anything since I felt like nobody seemed to really care about me. This really negatively impacted my thoughts, as I’d just assume everyone I met hated me, and it made socializing near-impossible for me. As a result, I never bothered reaching out. I figured I’d just be a burden on others.

It took a lot of time to really focus on myself to try to understand why I felt this way. I started to learn these pessimistic thoughts I had didn’t define who I was and that most of them didn’t really make any sense. With a lot of effort and some help from others, I started feeling better and having hope that maybe I was worth something.

Q: How did you first hear about Crisis Text Line?
A: I actually first heard about the Crisis Text Line through my counselor at my university. I set up a meeting with her to learn how to get more involved with my major, psychology, at my campus. Crisis Text Line was one of the things she mentioned.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with the organization?
A: What inspired me to get more involved with Crisis Text Line was the motivation to help others. Feeling like you have nobody to talk to when you need it the most was such a horrible feeling that I never wanted anyone to feel. I thought that if I volunteered, I could be there for people and ultimately let people know there’s always someone there for you.

Q: Why did you choose to take on the role of a volunteer spokesperson?
A: I just wanted to spread awareness of Crisis Text Line as it’s such an amazing resource to always have as an option. It’s something I fully support and wish everybody could know exists. By just letting people know it’s there, it could potentially help or even save lives.

Q: What message would you give to someone who is currently struggling but hesitant to reach out for help?
A: You’re not a burden. I know it may feel like you’re bothering people, but you aren’t. There are so many amazing people out there who will jump at the opportunity to help someone in need. By letting people know, you’ll get the help you deserve.

__________

If you are struggling and need support, text CONNECT to 741741 to be connected to a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor. We help people navigate tough moments by guiding them toward their own strengths and coping strategies. We meet people where they are — promoting mental well-being, one conversation at a time.

Interested in volunteering? Join today and become part of our incredible community of dedicated volunteers.