13-year-old Anna said she was "freaking out" and felt like killing herself. The 2-1-1 specialist that took Anna's call that night discovered a lonely young woman with very low self -esteem.  Anna had a history of cutting - a coping mechanism some youth use when battling feelings of anxiety, rejection and hopelessness. The specialist learned that Anna's mother had also called 2-1-1 weeks earlier after  

being diagnosed with breast cancer and feeling frantic about the future.
 
Anna's father's demanding job required long hours and extensive travel. He  

had taken some time off work when his wife was admitted to the hospital with cancer, but was now back on the job. He was being as supportive as he could for his wife and daughter but was starting to fall apart himself from the stress the family was facing.
 
Vicky, a care coordinator in 2-1-1, helped Anna and her family develop a "safety plan". This included having Anna talk to her father about how she was feeling and admitting to him about her cutting behaviors. Vicky linked the family to the resources they needed including counseling for Anna and her parents.
 
When Vicky followed up with the family she discovered that Anna is doing much better. She is no longer cutting and is doing well in school.  Her mom has been discharged from the hospital after a lumpectomy and the prognosis is good for full recovery.  Her father is considering a less stressful job that will enable him to be home more to support his family.  
 
Anna and her family received much needed support to face their challenges. If you're interested in learning more about how the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay works in the community, we invite you to join us for lunch and a tour. You can learn  

more about Crisis Center tours by clicking HERE.