GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (WBAY) – Viewer discretion is advised: Some content in this narrative may be distressing for certain audiences.
A young mother who survived her own suicide attempts shares her journey, shedding light on the events that led to her trauma and the factors that played a role in saving her life. To safeguard her anonymity, her face is not revealed.
Recovery mentors emphasize that her experience is just one of many in Wisconsin who are grappling with challenges, seeking help from crisis centers, and contacting 988, the suicide helpline.
“The substances kept me going because they were the only thing that prevented me from feeling like I didn’t belong here.”
Her narrative delves into addiction, profound sorrow, and optimism. Referred to as Chelsea, this courageous young mother recounts the day she grappled with suicidal thoughts, haunted by the loss of her young son and the discovery of her pregnancy with twins shortly afterward.
“I didn’t allow myself to grieve for my son; I immediately switched back to being a mother.”
When the twins turned 11 months old, Chelsea learned she was expecting another child.
Subsequently, her relationship with the father deteriorated.
“After his departure and my decision to put the baby up for adoption, the grief from losing my son hit me all at once, plunging me into deep depression. This marked the onset of heavy drinking and my descent into addiction.”
Her substance of choice: methamphetamine.
She recounts losing her job and witnessing her life crumble around her.
“At a friend’s residence, I rummaged through her bathroom in search of drugs and stumbled upon a stash of oxycontin pills. I ingested a significant number of them in a moment of despair. Upon returning to my hotel room, I consumed 14 pills because I had reached my breaking point and no longer wished to exist.”
Despite the overdose, Chelsea survived and resolved to embark on the path to sobriety. She encountered support from recovery coach Patti Heffernan at Helios.
“This could happen to anyone, to any of us,” remarked Patti. “The misconception that mental health crises only affect a certain group of individuals is flawed.”
Patti’s approach primarily involves attentive listening and assisting individuals in identifying ways to address their own needs.
Chelsea recounts her experience of seeking assistance during a period when mental health professionals acknowledge their challenges, and 988 crisis line workers admit to facing burnout. Call centers nationwide are struggling to recruit adequate staff to meet the escalating volume of callers.
“The demand continues to surge, and this trend is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.”
Caroline Newmann, a crisis services coordinator in Wisconsin, highlights their efforts to recruit, train, and deploy counselors using grant funding.
“To address the escalating demand, we must recruit not only from Green Bay but also from other regions across the state to handle the influx of calls, chats, and texts. As a result, a remote and hybrid workforce model has been adopted.”
Newmann and Shelly Missal, the program manager for 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, stress the comprehensive training regimen in place. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in social work, counselors undergo extensive training sessions.
“Considerable training is provided to individuals before they are ready to respond to callers in need,” explains Shelly.
Wisconsin DHS and Lifeline administrators are actively exploring strategies to enhance their response mechanisms, with increased funding and destigmatizing mental health being key priorities.
Chelsea attests that by seeking help, she has rekindled her aspirations.
“Having a strong support system comprising healthy individuals instills hope within you.”
If you or someone you know is facing challenges, don’t hesitate to contact the 988 Lifeline. Numerous local and national programs offer resources and access to counselors.
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