Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America.

There are urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country.

In 2021 and 2022:

• The U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes
• For people aged 10–14 and 25–34 years, suicide was the second-leading cause of death
• Suicide rates increased significantly among non-Hispanic Black & American Indian and Alaska Native people
• More than 950,000 youth aged 12-17 and 1.6 million adults attempted suicide
• About 107,000 people died from drug overdoses

Yet, there is hope. The 988 Lifeline helps thousands of people struggling to overcome suicidal crises or mental health-related distress every day.

As No Doubt once said, “I’m just a girl", but one shaped by trauma, ambition, and the kind of stories that challenged my mental health and taught me to embrace it along the way. Life is rarely simple. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. It is also deeply beautiful.

My midlife "re-ah-mix” gave me the chance to pause and realign with what matters most: staying true to myself. I’ve grown from a timid girl into an advocate for mental health, and I believe those conversations should be as natural as talking about the weather. Through this journey, I’m here to challenge the norm, give back, and keep mental health at the center of honest, everyday conversation.

Together, let’s celebrate the chaos, the flaws, and the beauty in it all.

Xo

Sam

Laughter naturally helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even feelings of depression. It does this by lowering the body’s stress chemicals, like adrenaline and cortisol, helping you feel more relaxed and balanced. If we are going to live in chaos, why not make is enjoyable.