Megha – Finding purpose through volunteering

Helping others through moments of crises is challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. For volunteer Crisis Counselor Megha, the decision to support others has not only made an impact on the lives of others, but it has also allowed her to strengthen aspects of her own life– including self-care practices, processing her own trauma, and reframing her life purpose. Below Megha shares her story on her motivation to volunteer, and the positive effects it has created. 

Megha’s story:

I started volunteering with Crisis Text Line as a volunteer Crisis Counselor in 2018, after I lost a friend to addiction. Despite all my education, I realized I didn’t know how to help people who might be struggling when they are at their most vulnerable, and so I learned how to support people during some of their most difficult moments. That work reinforced for me the importance of building healthy coping mechanisms before life demands them. It also reframed my purpose in life. At the heart of it, my purpose is simple: to make sure no one I meet ever feels alone. 

After experiencing a burglary myself, I found that volunteering became a form of self-care. It gave me perspective, purpose, and a healthier way to process my own fear. It also gave me a trunk of self-care tools– listening to music, playing guitar, dancing, or even texting into Crisis Text Line myself– when the weight of my own trauma felt too heavy to carry. It takes strength to ask for help, and also to help others, but there is nothing more rewarding than helping lift someone up when they forget how amazing they are.

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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.