Kasee knew she was in a downward spiral emotionally. Her circumstances seemed to be getting worse and she knew she needed help.  Just a few months earlier she was married, living in Georgia, and had a full-time job she loved. She had been able to manage her emotions over the years, but over the past 11 months her condition worsened and things went out of control.  She was diagnosed with severe mental illness and her husband soon left her. She tried to stay strong, but her performance at work suffered and she was soon let go from her job.

She was able to move in with her grandparents in Florida, but she felt trapped and lonely. Her depression led to thoughts of suicide and Kasee started to dwell on what method she could use to take her own life.

Kasee knew she needed to talk to someone, so she called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK and was connected to Tiffany, a Crisis Specialist at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Kasee admitted to Tiffany that she was considering taking her own life and confessed she had even driven to the top of the Skyway Bridge once, but kept on driving after she reached the top.

Tiffany remained calm, reassured Kasee that she was not alone, and let her know that help was available. After talking and listening to Kasee, she put together a short-term safety plan of positive activities that included talking with a friend, running, and writing in her journal. Tiffany also referred Kasee to mental health counseling resources in Tampa and enrolled Kasee in the Crisis Center's Care Coordination program.

Jessica, Kasee's Care Coordinator at the Crisis Center, placed follow up calls to her and made certain she was implementing her safety plan.  She made certain Kasee scheduled an appointment with a mental health counselor at another organization. When it seemed that Kasee could benefit from additional counseling sessions, she advocated for Kasee to have the frequency of her appointments increased.

Today, Kasee is doing much better. She admits life seems hard, but she is no longer having thoughts of suicide. She is still living with her grandparents but has found a part-time job she enjoys. She currently meets with a counselor and a psychologist who have helped her to better manage her mental illness.

Your support of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay allows Specialists and Care Coordinators like Tiffany and Jessica to answer desperate calls for help from people battling thoughts of suicide. Your investment saves lives and helps ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone!