Coalition of the Willing
Life comes at you hard. Sometimes all one can do is keep it together. That’s okay. Sit quietly, slow your breathing, and ground yourself to the world in which you live. You’re not alone.
There are many people out there working for you even when you don’t know it. Sometimes it’s a person. Sometimes it’s a group of friends. Sometimes it’s a team of professionals.
The Northeast Minnesota Suicide Prevention Coalition is a new organization doing everything it can to save the lives of Minnesotans in dire straits. Like many coalitions, the Northeast Minnesota team is comprised entirely of volunteers. With 20 members on deck at any given time, they provide enhanced care to those in need.
Ryan Burkhart, a Veterans Affairs case manager in Minneapolis and member of the Northeast Minnesota Coalition, brings it back to the human level. “Providing direct support, knowing we make a difference in someone’s life, it puts wind in our sails,” he said. “We work to give hope to others. A flicker of hope sometimes is all you need to start your day and keep it going strong.”
Sometimes the need is more straightforward; life needs come in many shapes and sizes. In these cases, the Coalition networks with known providers and gets you the care you need. Recently the Northeast Minnesota coalition hooked up with the Twin Cities Suicide Prevention Coalition by hosting a clothing drive for Veterans and their families. New boots, shoes, pants, shirts, jackets, mittens, gloves, and winter gear were provided by the community and private donors.
Keeping someone warm is a low-key way of keeping someone stable. Physical safety and health aren’t to be overlooked – especially as winter sets in.
If you’re overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, or grief, you would benefit from their counsel. Far from taking a cookie-cutter approach to assisting people in crisis, the Coalition works individually with each person to find the supports needed for each unique circumstance.
They’ll help folks find better access to doctors and specialized care. The team can help guide you through mental health care options, discuss therapy options, locate, and connect you with groups – welcome assistance for the distressed – identify chemical health needs and treatment options, and so much more. Working as a coalition widens and strengthens the network of willing and interested care providers.
They’re uniquely qualified to provide wrap around care for people struggling with their mental health, no matter what that may look like.
If you are experiencing difficulty coping with life, and are not in an emergency, reach out to the Suicide Prevention Coalition today.
www.facebook.com/nemnsuicideprevention/
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency and need to speak with someone right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at: 1-800-273-8255.
You also can call the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-800-273-8255, press 1.
