Q&A with Vivian Aisling – Supporting “a cause that can both change and save lives.”

At Crisis Text Line, the generosity of our donors is what helps us continue to be a lifeline for others. One such donor, Vivian Aisling, supports us as a way to take action and support those who are experiencing mental health crises. This month, we’re honored to recognize Vivian for joining us– both as a current donor and previous volunteer Crisis Counselor– in our mission to ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. 

Q: What initially inspired you to support Crisis Text Line?
A: My childhood was spent surrounded by friends and family that suffered from poor mental health. After losing a close friend as a teenager, I felt like I wanted to pursue a career as a therapist so I could try helping anyone that was struggling. Although I was never able to get very far in college, I still held onto that desire and it pushed me to try volunteering as a Crisis Counselor. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to commit the time to volunteering either, so becoming a donor felt like a way that I could still make an impact for something important.

Q: Can you share a personal story or moment that reinforced your commitment to supporting individuals in crisis?
A: I struggle to think of a single moment, but long stretches of my childhood and young adult years were spent almost entirely alone. There were several nights where things felt hopeless, but having a single person take time out of their day to reach out helped me pull through and be more optimistic.

Q: Why is it important to you to support mental health initiatives, particularly crisis intervention?
A: When I was volunteering, I got to see the value of crisis intervention and how many people were able to receive help. My motivation for wanting to support similar initiatives deepened further after a close friend committed suicide. At the time, we had a disagreement and weren’t speaking, so although I couldn’t have been there for them at that moment, I think there should always be options for people to turn to so they don’t feel alone.

Q: How do you see your contributions making a difference in the lives of those reaching out for help?
A: I see my contributions as helping support Crisis Text Line and create awareness about its existence. Whenever I see a post or ad about Crisis Text Line, I think about someone who could be learning about a place to reach out to when they desperately need it.

Q: What drives your philanthropic giving overall, and why do you prioritize Crisis Text Line in your charitable efforts?
A: Much of my development was spent poor and struggling, and I think it’s influenced my desire to try supporting others whenever I can. I prioritize Crisis Text Line because of my familiarity with the service, but also because I was terrified to call or speak to someone when I needed support for a very long time. Texting was my only way of communicating, so having a service that allows for that is extremely important to me.

Q: How has giving back to a cause that is meaningful to you impacted you personally or professionally?
A: Ultimately, I think it helps me feel like I’m making a change for the better, even if it’s something small.

Q: What would you say to others who are considering donating to Crisis Text Line?
A: I think if you’re considering donating, this is one of the best causes to fund. The training and support I received as a volunteer Crisis Counselor was amazing, and the service itself has been extremely easy and inviting to use when I’ve tried it. That level of quality can only continue with more funding, and it’s for a cause that can both change and save lives.

Q: How do you take care of your own mental health?
A: I try to take care of my mental health by reaching out to friends and family when I need it, or taking time to myself with art or a self-care day! It’s not always easy, but I think having a support system and hobbies makes things much easier.

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You can also make a direct impact on transforming and saving lives by donating to Crisis Text Line or becoming a volunteer. Help us support those who need it most!