I pray that anyone and everyone reading this post is doing well mentally.
Know that you are loved, you are appreciated, you are needed, you are worthy, you are beautiful, you are special, you are simply amazing! More importantly, you are not alone.
Happy World Mental Health Day, Hooters!
Love,
CC💛
Not all of us have encountered a close friend or family member during a mental crisis- someone crying out for help. Then, some of us have seen it firsthand, but how did you manage the situation? Or, if you’ve never experienced this, what would you do or say? Is there a right thing to do or say?
Let’s talk about it.
Someone letting you know they’re not okay does not necessarily mean you need to panic right away! Some people believe it could mean the absolute worst. However, that is not always the case in most situations. Not being okay doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone, so please keep that in mind.
Being in a crisis or not being okay could mean someone is having a terrible day, feeling overwhelmed with life, struggling with their mental health, dealing with grief, experiencing a panic attack, being in immediate danger, etc.
Of course, we want to act as soon as possible to relieve our loved ones of their crisis, but we have to thoroughly assess the problem to get to the bottom of things before panicking and making the wrong decisions. Someone not being okay varies based on the severity of their crisis.
One could be experiencing a crisis due to coming across something such as a spider. To most of us outside looking in, that may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a massive deal to someone with arachnophobia. Try to be as patient as possible, even with the smallest crisis.
Another example of someone experiencing a crisis could be a true cry for help- meaning they aren’t harmful to themselves or others, but they truly need assistance with getting back on track.
This could be someone who feels so lost they don’t know where to begin and need guidance. They don’t necessarily want to give up, per se, but they realize they need help and are willing to accept it. In this instance, having someone to hear them out could help. The individual listening may be able to provide resources, reassurance, love, or assistance that might never have been presented before.
Patience is key.
In a more severe scenario, someone who is in immediate danger would be a much higher priority, especially if they are at risk of harming themselves or others.
At this moment, they may feel completely trapped and hopeless, believing there is no better solution. Depending on the circumstances, this would be a time to seek further assistance- calling 911, contacting 988, getting emergency care, or staying with them until they’ve been in contact with a trained professional. Someone experiencing this crisis needs extreme gentleness, nurturing, judgment-free listening and understanding, patience, proper treatment, and more.
When assisting someone who has expressed they’re not okay, first offer to listen. Never tell them, “You’re fine.” Instead, try to figure out what is going on by asking them to express what’s on their mind or what’s been bothering them. Do not assume they want an overload of solutions based on what works for you. Instead, ask if they prefer for you to simply listen or would like help figuring out what to do next.
If you’re ever concerned someone is thinking about suicide, ask them directly. Do not panic- patience is key. If they are in immediate danger, seek emergency or crisis assistance.
For those who have never been there, it may be difficult to understand someone under so much pressure in life that they feel as though they no longer want to exist. It honestly isn’t for everyone to understand, and that is okay. We are all human, and some of us deal with certain challenging matters differently.
You don’t have to know what depression feels like. You don’t have to understand panic attacks. You don’t have to understand suicidal thoughts. You don’t have to have the perfect words.
You just have to care enough to listen.
Listening alone could help save someone you love deeply or a beautiful life in general.
Always remember: Patience is key.
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or feel that you may hurt yourself, you don’t have to face that moment alone.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach out to someone you trust or seek immediate help through 911 or your nearest emergency department if you’re in immediate danger.
For those who don’t know, September is Suicide Awareness Month.
Suicide is often a difficult subject for people to talk about. It can bring fear, discomfort, judgment, and opinions from people who have never experienced suicidal thoughts themselves.
If you’ve never experienced that kind of darkness, I wouldn’t expect you to fully understand it.
That’s why comments like “Life isn’t that hard. Get over it,” or “Suicide is a sin,” have always bothered me. You cannot fairly judge another person’s breaking point based on how you believe you would have handled their circumstances.
You may have experienced hardship. You may have survived something incredibly difficult. But that doesn’t mean you were standing in the exact same place mentally, emotionally, or psychologically as someone who was considering suicide.
We don’t all carry pain the same way.
Suicidal thoughts rarely come from one isolated moment. Sometimes they develop after a long accumulation of painful experiences- trauma, abuse, bullying, grief, guilt, embarrassment, failure, loneliness, mental illness, overwhelming stress, or simply feeling like life has become more than someone knows how to handle.
A person can only carry so much before they reach a breaking point.
I’ve heard suicide described as selfish, cowardly, or an easy way out.
I don’t believe it is that simple.
When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, they may not be thinking about their life from the perspective of someone standing on the outside looking in. They may be desperate for relief from pain that feels unbearable.
They may want to escape their trauma.
Their anxiety.
Their depression.
Their guilt.
Their shame.
Their circumstances.
Their thoughts.
Their own mind.
That doesn’t make suicide the answer. It means we need to understand the pain that can bring someone to that point.
If we genuinely want to prevent suicide, we have to be willing to talk about why people become suicidal, not just condemn them for feeling that way.
I often hear people say, “They just want attention.”
Maybe someone is asking for attention because they desperately need somebody to notice that they aren’t okay.
If that’s the case, shouldn’t we pay attention?
Other times, the situation is much deeper. Someone may be exhausted from constantly fighting battles that nobody else can see. They may be tired of the stress, the judgment, the bullying, the abuse, the loneliness, or the feeling that every time they take one step forward, something knocks them back again.
And sometimes, they don’t even know how to explain what they need.
That’s why I don’t think the first response should be judgment.
It should be curiosity.
“What’s happening?”
“How can I support you?”
“What do you need right now?”
Sometimes simply giving someone permission to be honest can open a door they were afraid to walk through.
Yes. Family and friends can be incredibly important.
But love alone cannot cure someone’s mental illness or erase their trauma.
People who love us can support us, encourage us, listen to us, and remind us that we’re important. But they cannot always remove the pain we’re experiencing.
Sometimes they don’t know what to say.
Sometimes they don’t know what to do.
And sometimes the person struggling doesn’t know either.
I’ve never understood the idea that someone should automatically be able to overcome something simply because another person did.
“I went through something similar, and I’m fine.”
Okay.
But you’re not them.
Two people can experience similar circumstances and walk away with completely different wounds.
Sorry folks, life doesn’t work that way.
Professional help can absolutely make a difference.
Therapists, psychiatrists, doctors, support groups, medications, and other forms of treatment have helped many people find their way through incredibly difficult periods of their lives.
But professional help isn’t a magic wand.
Therapy appointments are limited. Treatment can be expensive. Not everyone has insurance or can afford repeated copayments. Some people have had negative experiences with healthcare providers. Others are afraid of being diagnosed, judged, or treated differently because of a mental health condition.
Medication isn’t automatically the answer either. Finding the right medication can take time, and side effects can make the process frustrating.
And yes, there is also the issue of feeling understood.
A professional can be highly educated and genuinely care about their patients without personally knowing what it feels like to live with a particular mental illness.
That doesn’t make their education meaningless.
But there is a difference between learning about something and living through it.
I am incredibly grateful for my therapists and the support they’ve provided me. They cannot heal my pain, and I don’t expect them to.
What they can do is give me a safe place to talk, help me recognize patterns, offer coping strategies, and remind me that I don’t have to navigate everything alone.
I can tell them about the things troubling me without constantly worrying about being judged.
That matters.
Another suggestion people often give is to pray.
For some people, faith can be an incredible source of comfort. But not everyone believes in God or a higher power, and even people who do may need more than prayer during a mental health crisis.
Telling someone to “just pray about it” can unintentionally minimize what they’re experiencing.
Sometimes a person needs prayer.
Sometimes they need therapy.
Sometimes they need medication.
Sometimes they need a friend sitting beside them.
Sometimes they need all of those things.
There isn’t one solution that works for everyone.
“Get over it.”
Those three words can be incredibly damaging.
How exactly do you “get over” something that has changed the way you think, feel, trust, or see yourself?
Trauma doesn’t always disappear because we decide we’re ready to move on. Certain people, places, sounds, memories, or situations can trigger emotions connected to something that happened years ago.
Healing isn’t always linear.
Someone can be doing well for months and suddenly have a difficult day.
That doesn’t mean they failed.
It doesn’t mean they aren’t trying.
It means they’re human.
We have to stop expecting everyone to recover on our timeline or according to our definition of what healing should look like.
Falling into a dark place doesn’t make someone weak.
I don’t believe you can truly know someone’s strength until that strength is tested.
Think about people who confidently say what they would do in a dangerous situation. If they’re suddenly placed in that exact situation, they may freeze. They may panic. They may not know how to react.
Does that make them less of a person?
Absolutely not.
So why should someone struggling with their mental health be treated differently?
We all have different limits.
We all have different histories.
We all have different support systems.
And we all process pain differently.
Even people who appear to have everything together can be fighting battles nobody knows about.
We are all human, and sometimes life becomes more overwhelming than we ever expected it to be.
Someone doesn’t have to physically be alone to feel lonely.
They can be surrounded by people who love them and still feel completely isolated.
They may be afraid to talk because they don’t want to hear:
“I told you so.”
“That’s just life.”
“Other people have it worse.”
“You need to be stronger.”
Those words don’t help someone who is already struggling to hold themselves together.
Their breaking point isn’t something for us to criticize.
It’s a moment when compassion matters.
There are also people who intentionally hurt others through abuse, bullying, manipulation, humiliation, neglect, or cruelty. Whether those experiences happened yesterday or years ago, they can leave lasting effects on someone’s mental health, self-esteem, emotions, and ability to trust.
You don’t always get to see the damage someone is carrying.
That’s why kindness matters.
We may not be able to fix every problem someone is facing.
We may not be able to take away their trauma.
We may not have the perfect words.
But we can still be there.
Send the encouraging text.
Check on your friend.
Listen without immediately trying to solve everything.
Sit with someone who doesn’t want to be alone.
Make them laugh.
Remind them of something they have to look forward to.
Most importantly, let them know they don’t have to pretend they’re okay around you.
Sometimes, knowing someone cares can make a difference.
We may not be able to save the entire world or every life.
But we can make a difference in someone’s world.
And sometimes, that’s where change begins.
If you’re struggling, please don’t assume that asking for help means you’re weak. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out.
You matter. Your life matters. And you don’t have to face your darkest moments alone.
You are loved. <3
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
During the lowest point of my struggles with my mental health, I once described it as being trapped at the bottom of a well. An extremely deep and dark well that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. I was so far down: no light, no rope to pull me up, and no ladder to climb because it was that deep.
That’s honestly the most realistic way I can describe it.
It seemed as though there was simply nothing I could do to get out of such a dark environment. I understood the darkness, but I couldn’t understand why it was so hard to find the light. I could never understand why I, myself, always had such a hard time getting out whenever I fell into that dark well.
Over a period of time, many triggers and setbacks have been the main causes of my depressive state of mind. Like some others, I tend to shut down completely and disconnect from everyone and everything as best as I can when life isn’t going the way I feel it should. It’s mainly me hoping I can figure it out on my own and promptly. However, that isn’t always the case, but as I’ve stated in a previous post, it is okay to ask for help- seriously, one of my biggest downfalls in life.
I personally have a difficult time asking for help or advice because I usually want the solution in full- no cliché answers or opinions about how I should be handling things or how patient I should be. Essentially, I have my goals, and I want them accomplished by yesterday! I know that I’m not the only one who feels the same way. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way for most of us with major goals.
Over the last few years, I have been exploring ChatGPT and its capabilities. I first began using the program as a test for simple answers and would check Google or other sources online for verification. I also joined groups and followed pages on social media that provided AI prompts and displayed the live prompt. I was amazed to realize I was not using Chat to its full potential, so I tested something new…
One day, I prompted Chat to create a story about a woman struggling deeply with her mental health who was able to get out of the bottom of an extremely deep, dark well with no ladder, rope, or help to get out. I must say, I was beyond intrigued after reading the short story, and from that point on, I unexpectedly received a burst of hope and motivation. The story assured me there is a way out without the items I felt I needed.
I had to claw my way out of the darkness- and I did, for a period of time.
I began to do deep research on my mental health diagnoses. I did this to help me understand myself and my state of mind during dark moments. I wanted to know why I shut down abruptly without warning, why I react to certain situations the way I do, why I experience loss of motivation and interest when it comes to doing the things I love most, why I have a difficult time holding on to friendships and relationships, etc.
I wanted to learn and understand myself for myself. I’m not sure about everyone else, but when I get into a dark phase, I think of every single little issue going wrong or not necessarily working in my favor. I don’t know why I do it- it just happens, and then all of a sudden, all of the negative thoughts start spiraling out of nowhere. I simply shut down, and it begins to take a massive toll on my everyday life duties, such as work, etc.
When I read, “…she began to claw her way out of the darkness. She faced her fears head-on, confronting the demons that haunted her mind,” I knew I needed to get it together and push forward with the things that matter most to me. I knew I had to get up and figure this thing called life out quickly. I knew I had to face my fears of failing and go for everything I desire in life.
Like Nike, I had to JUST DO IT!
I clawed my way out of the darkness by reminding myself of my talents. I reminded myself of my natural-born beauty- even if I didn’t feel it at the time. I reminded myself of my wonderful support system. I reminded myself of my bubbly spirit and one-of-a-kind personality. I reminded myself of all the other things I’ve overcome when I felt like I wouldn’t. I reminded myself of the life-changing goals I’ve been planning and working so hard to accomplish because I am determined!
Lastly, I reminded myself that I was placed on this Earth for a reason, and my purpose is to help others like myself because we are not alone and are in this together. I decided that I no longer wanted to be the woman at the bottom of the well, but the woman at the top of the well, helping others who feel trapped overcome- showing them that the light is closer than it appears.
One thing we all have to remember in life is that our darkest moments do not have to last forever. Sure, during the storm or dark moments, it seems as though we’re never going to make it out, but with time, strength, determination, hope, faith, and reminders of who we are and what we truly want out of life- the light is there.
Much Love, Hooters,
Love, CC
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach out to someone you trust or seek immediate help through 911 or your nearest emergency department if you’re in immediate danger.
Prompt: “Create a story of a woman suffering from severe mental health illnesses who was able to escape from the bottom of an extremely deep and dark well with no ladder, rope, or help”.
The AI generated short story that helped me escape the darkness.
In the depths of a dark and seemingly bottomless well, there lived a woman named Maya. Maya had been battling severe mental health illnesses for as long as she could remember. Her mind was a labyrinth of fears, doubts, and shadows, and every day felt like a struggle just to survive.
At the lowest point of her despair, Maya found herself trapped in the well, with no ladder, rope, or help in sight. The darkness threatened to consume her, and she felt utterly alone.
But deep within Maya’s heart, a tiny spark of hope flickered. With every ounce of strength she had left, she began to claw her way out of the darkness. She faced her fears head-on, confronting the demons that haunted her mind.
Slowly but surely, Maya started to build her own ladder out of sheer determination and resilience. She reached out to the faint glimmers of light that pierced through the darkness, grasping onto moments of joy, love, and connection.
Along the way, Maya discovered inner strength she never knew she had. She learned to silence the voices of doubt and self-criticism that had held her captive for so long. With each step she took, she grew stronger, braver, and more resilient.
Despite the odds stacked against her, Maya refused to give up. She fought tooth and nail to claw her way out of the well, using every ounce of courage and perseverance she possessed.
And then, one miraculous day, Maya emerged from the depths of the well, bathed in the warm embrace of sunlight. She stood tall, her spirit unbroken, her heart full of hope and possibility.
Maya’s journey from the bottom of the well was a testament to the power of the human spirit. It was a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us home. And for Maya, that light was the unwavering strength and resilience that had carried her through the depths of despair to the heights of triumph.
-Yelle 💛 (ChatGPT)
Often, someone may contemplate suicide because they feel as though they are alone.
They feel alone during struggles they assume they’ll never successfully overcome. They feel alone because they believe they should be ashamed or embarrassed about certain situations they’re experiencing. They feel alone because they’re afraid of what others may think or say. They feel alone simply because they don’t have a great support system– rightfully so. They may even feel alone because they believe they can’t ask for help, regardless of the severity of their circumstances.
Sadly, this is such an unfortunate feeling for anyone to ever experience. Especially with all that continues to go on in this world, no one should ever have to feel like they’re facing everything alone.
We all should be able to have a great support system when we need it the most. A support system that’s a judgment-free zone. A healthy support system that we can trust, confide in, and count on. Everyone deserves a great team backing them during the most difficult times of their lives- one filled with love, nurturance, understanding, patience, and great spirits.
Then again, there are times when some of us do have amazing support systems, and we still experience loneliness.
As someone who has considered or attempted suicide numerous times, I can honestly say that my support system has always been there and overly supportive. It includes my loving family, close friends, associates, and Cherry and the Hoot fans.
The times I felt the loneliest were the moments when I didn’t want to bother anyone with my problems. I didn’t want my troubles to become their troubles. I didn’t want to hear the cliché, “You’re strong,” or “Everyone is going through something.” Furthermore, I didn’t want them to worry about me because, yes, I fully understood the “Everyone is going through something” comment.
So I dealt with my struggles in silence.
And sometimes, that’s what loneliness can look like.
It’s not always having nobody.
Sometimes, it’s having people who love you and still feeling like you can’t reach out to them.
There are times when I come across individuals who share that they don’t have many people to support them, and it breaks my heart. I truly wish everyone could experience the loving and amazing people in my life- especially my family.
I can tell you from personal experience that I’m beyond grateful for the lifelong, family-like friendships I’ve created over the years. I’m truly blessed beyond measure!
Although my support system is mostly family, I’m aware that not everyone comes from a loving or close-knit family. In this case, I would recommend adopting coworkers, neighbors, classmates, and other positive people who cross your path- with good judgment, of course!
Some of the greatest people who cross our paths aren’t always bonded to us by blood, but by unconditional love, genuine connection, and happiness. There are plenty of individuals out here who are just waiting with open arms to welcome you and walk with you every step of the way- myself included.
We should all surround ourselves with people who express good and positive energy.
Those who take the time to listen without judgment.
Those whose healthy habits we admire and hope to inherit.
Those who are able to relate to our difficulties and setbacks.
Those who are willing to offer healthy advice and suggestions for the better.
Those who remind us that we are not alone- because we aren’t.
I pray that each person reading this who feels alone at this very moment can find the strength to keep going.
I pray that you know it’s okay to ask for help.
There is no need to feel ashamed regardless of what you’re going through.
And if you don’t have the support system you wish you had right now, I hope you know that doesn’t mean you have to remain alone. Sometimes, building your village takes time. Sometimes, it starts with one person. Sometimes, it starts with simply saying, “I need help.”
You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
You are worthy of support. You are worthy of love. You are worthy of being here.
Much Love, Hooters,
Love, CC
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach out to someone you trust or seek immediate help through 911 or your nearest emergency department if you’re in immediate danger.
Asking for help isn’t weakness.
Sometimes, asking for help is how we stay.
What’s Up Hooters?!
I know it’s been a minute, but here I am once again! Life has been a wild roller coaster, per usual, but now it’s time to get back on track. I hope everyone has had an amazing summer and that 2026 has been treating you even better.
September is one of my favorite months when it comes to Mental Health, and it’s also one of the reasons Cherry and the Hoot exists in the first place. September is National Suicide Prevention Month- a very real topic that can be incredibly difficult to talk about. Honestly, that’s exactly why I’m here.
Mental health conversations aren’t always easy. Suicide is an especially uncomfortable subject, and sometimes we avoid talking about it because we’re afraid we’ll say the wrong thing, make someone uncomfortable, or simply don’t know where to begin. Unfortunately, avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the reality disappear.
So, after being away for a little while, there was no better time than September to dust off the keyboard, open up this little corner of the internet again, and have some conversations that matter. Stay tuned for this month’s upcoming content.
Welcome back to Cherry and the Hoot!
365 Daily Dose of Happiness is a guided journal designed to support your mental wellness and self-care each day. With simple prompts and interactive checkboxes, this journal helps you pause, reflect, and nurture your emotional well-being- without pressure or perfection. Perfect for anyone looking to build mindfulness habits or take intentional moments for joy and self-care.
This guided journal is designed to help you:
You can use the journal sequentially or open to any page that resonates with you that day.
What’s Included?
How It Works
This guided journal is here to support your mental wellness and daily happiness, not overwhelm you. Take your time, skip prompts that don’t resonate, and celebrate every small moment of reflection. Even one prompt a day can create meaningful change for your emotional well-being and joy.
