Cara R.

Suicide Prevention Specialist - Adult

As someone who’s faced mental health challenges both personally, and as caretaker for others, I’ve always wanted to use those experiences to support others.

My own mental health challenges began as a teenager. While I was upholding all my responsibilities, I was secretly struggling with major depression leading to suicidal ideations. I was scared to let people know what I was going through for fear they wouldn’t relate or understand.

In time I developed an eating disorder and after leaving home for college began having panic attacks and social anxiety. After struggling on my own for years while away at college I took the first step in my recovery by reaching out for help.

Recovery can be an ongoing, winding road of finding support and tools. Sharing my struggles, surrounding myself in nature, using creative outlets and staying active have helped me maintain my recovery when those dark moments snuck in.

Over the years, I have also walked along both family members and friends experiencing various mental health and substance use challenges. I have supported close friends who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Nowadays, being a mom of teens navigating an everchanging world has only deepened my passion for mental health and allowed me to start those hard conversations. It has opened doors for connection, support and hope. I believe that sitting down and listening to others’ stories while using shared life experiences, empathy and understanding creates a safe space for healing.