September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a timely reminder for us to look out for our neighbors, friends, and family members who may be quietly struggling. In this video, our Streams in the Valley counselor, Jennifer Hicks, LPC, discusses how to notice both obvious and hidden signs of mental distress, how to find the courage to ask direct questions, and how to connect those in crisis with the life-saving support they need.
As a community, we are called to bear one another's burdens. You do not need to be a professional counselor or have all the answers to make a difference. Your job is simply to care, notice the warning signs, and safely bridge the gap between a hurting person and the resources that can help them heal.
Key Topics Covered:
Recognizing Hidden Signs: Why a sudden, unexplained improvement in mood can sometimes indicate someone has lost hope and needs immediate connection.
Overcoming the Fear to Speak Up: How to lean into courage, err on the side of caution, and ask direct, honest questions.
Tailoring Your Approach: Finding the right words to ask someone if they are struggling based on your unique relationship with them.
Protecting Children and Teens: Ensuring young people know they should never carry the weight of a friend's crisis alone and must involve a trusted adult.
Connecting to Professional Help: When to utilize emergency services versus immediate crisis lifelines.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to caregiving or asking for help. In this video, our licensed professional counselor, Jennifer Hicks, shares practical ways to support the caregivers in your life — from providing meals, running errands, and pharmacy trips to organizing respite care and financial gifts. Learn how to advocate for your own needs and how to gently let loved ones know you’re there for them without being pushy. Remember, we all need a break sometimes, and nobody has to go through it alone.
Are you or your kids feeling nervous about the upcoming school year? It is completely normal to feel mixed emotions during this time!
In this video, Jennifer Hicks, LPC, a licensed professional counselor with Streams in the Valley Counseling, shares practical tips on how to manage back to school anxiety and embrace this new season. Whether you are a parent, a student, or a supportive family member, transitions can be tough. Learn how to navigate these feelings with grace and find peace in the routine.
If you need professional support or faith-rooted counseling during this transition, connect with us at Streams in the Valley Counseling.
