Whether it is wearing a pin yourself, sharing one with someone as a reminder that you are there for them, dropping them off counseling centers or creating displays in public venues where anyone can freely take one, we are making in impact, one pin at a time! We have already distributed over 800 pins across the country and the opportunities to share them continue!

I have been asked how we connected to the “Talk About It” pins that are central to our first Pebbles of Strength campaign, so I thought I’d share the background.

After Paul’s passing, one of the first things I felt compelled to do was to get his room in order. Over the years, the condition of his room was often a sign of how Paul was feeling. Recently, he had been on an upswing and was in the process of clearing out, cleaning up and getting everything in order. I needed to make sure I could finish what he had started, both for him and me.

Paul wasn’t one to hold on to stuff, especially when he felt he needed to clear out his surroundings (he didn’t get that from me!), but there were things that held particular significance to him that he made every effort to hold on to.

While cleaning off his bureau, I came across Paul’s “Talk About It” pin. I don’t remember when exactly he got it, it could have been recent, or as far back as one of his first hospitalizations. But it immediately spoke to me. We’d worked over these last seven years to not hold his feelings inside and to seek out someone to talk to at any time, day, or night – and he did this successfully for the most part. I honestly believe this pin spoke to him too, which is why it remained on his bureau through countless clear outs of his bedroom. I will continue to hold the belief these words helped keep him here as long as we were blessed to have him.

Thus, it all began – the hunt for more “Talk About It” pins. A plan to share these words with everyone, to encourage all of us to talk more openly about mental health, whether you are someone currently in crisis, a family member trying to support a loved one, or an ally to anyone experiencing mental health issues. No matter how lost and alone you may feel, and how difficult it can be to reach out and ask for help, it is the best thing you can do and there will always be someone to listen and support you.

Peace and Love,

Heidi

#forpaul #talkaboutit #pebblesofstrength #suicideprevention