Kayla's Hope Foundation

We have partnered with Kayla’s Hope Foundation, an organization created to honor Kayla Brook Lehman who lost her life to suicide in 2018.

Kayla’s Hope Foundation, believes community is the heart of healing. Through partnerships with mental health providers, nonprofits, schools, and local leaders, they create connection, support, and a sense of belonging—so no one walks alone.

Suicide is a very hard topic to discuss but prevention begins with connection. 

Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts experience pain that feels overwhelming, constant, or impossible to escape. That pain can come from many places: depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, burnout, or life transitions that feel too heavy to carry alone.

You can help by noticing the signs. Most people will not admit they are struggling. Buy you may notice withdrawal from friends, family, or activities, changes in sleep or appetite, increased irritability or emotional numbness, talking about feeling like a burden or hopeless, or giving away possessions and other subtle goodbyes. 

If you are noticing some of these changes, here’s how you may be able to help. Check in with that person. “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you.” Listen without trying to fix their problem. Just being present and an ear to listen may be what they need. Sitting in silence when maybe the words are too hard to share. The togetherness can still make a difference. Encouraging support from a therapist, group or trusted person. Finding a support group can make a big difference and lessen loneliness. You don’t have to have the perfect words. You just have to show up.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, please know you don’t have to go through this alone. What you’re feeling can shift even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.  And there are people who genuinely want to help and support you

If you can, reach out to someone you trust whether it be a friend, family member, or therapist.  If that feels like too much, you can connect with trained listeners at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the U.S.

Anchor Counseling can help. We have a teen support group Stable Ground where teens can talk about what they’re experiencing with other teens while hanging out with our herd. Stable Ground meets the first Friday of each month. We have our women’s group EmpowerHer where we provide a safe space to discuss life concerns, connections, support, relationships, balance, and mindfulness. Activities may include horse interactions, art sessions, and guest speakers. EmpowerHer meets the third Friday of each month. We also have Woven Wellness. Our support group based on crafting and therapeutic skill building with like-minded ladies. 

Suicide prevention isn’t just about crisis moments, it’s about how we show up every day. Let’s normalize talking about mental health, checking on one another and giving ourselves permission to rest, feel and ask for help. 

Our team at Anchor Counseling is here and able to help you. You can reach us online at anchorcounseling.org or call (and even text!) 630-765-3214. You are not alone.