You’re Taking the First Step—Support Is Within Reach

---

Are you feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to understand what you're going through? 

We’re here for you, whether you’re facing a crisis, trying to make sense of your emotions, or searching for a supportive community to help you get through a tough time. Healing and growth take time, but each small step brings you closer to clarity and peace. It starts with one pedal at a time.  Check In with a social support or take a personal screening to check in with yourself. 

At OPAAT, we know that starting the healing process can feel overwhelming, especially when facing challenges like mental health struggles, trauma, or loss. Many factors contribute to these feelings, including depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders; social isolation or financial stress; and experiences of bullying, discrimination, or grief. Chronic illness and persistent pain can also weigh heavily on emotional well-being. No matter the cause, we want you to know that you are not alone, and support is always within reach. 

The first part is willpower—the ability to resist short-term temptations and focus on long-term healing. The journey isn’t always linear. Roy Baumeister, a psychologist, describes three components to achieving goals:

1. Motivation for change
2. Setting clear goals
3. Willpower to stick to it

These principles are central to OPAAT, and they apply to all areas of life, especially your emotional well-being. Whether you’re in a crisis or simply trying to make sense of your feelings, we encourage you to embrace these three steps:

• Find your motivation.
• Set goals for your well-being.
• Use your willpower to keep moving forward, one pedal at a time.

You might be feeling disconnected from yourself or questioning the meaning of your life. It’s not selfish to want to live a fulfilling life—it’s a necessity. Maybe you’re stuck, unsure about what comes next, or overwhelmed by confusion.

OPAAT believes that true healing comes from living authentically and embracing your own creativity—whether that’s through art, music, writing, or just finding the path that brings you peace. It's about reconnecting with your soul and listening to the desires within.

• Let yourself be you. Your unique journey is worth embracing.
• Don’t silence your creative instincts. Your creativity can save your life—this is where your healing begins.

How to Help Yourself If You Are Suicidal

If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember that you don’t have to face this alone. Start by taking one small step at a time, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please call or text the hotlines available to you.

• Call or Text 988
• Text TALK to 741741

These resources are available 24/7 and will connect you to someone who can help guide you through your feelings and provide support.

¿Estás en una crisis? 

Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

If you're not in an immediate crisis but want to understand your emotions better, use the screening tool to assess your mental state. This tool can help you identify where you are emotionally and guide you on the next steps in your healing journey.

If you're looking to understand why suicidal thoughts may arise and how to process them, these resources can help you find clarity and guidance.

• NIMH - Suicide Prevention (Spanish)
  Access suicide prevention resources in Spanish, providing information for those who need support in their native language.

• DBSA Mood Crew For Understanding Your Emotions: A Simple Guide to Sadness
  Discover simple, engaging tools to help you better understand and express your sadness, guiding you toward greater self-awareness and healing.

These resources above are here to provide you with the knowledge and tools to better understand and navigate suicidal thoughts, whether you’re experiencing them or trying to help someone you care about. 

If you’re ready to start your journey to healing, don’t wait. The first step is taking action now—whether that means reaching out for resources, joining a bike ride, or connecting with someone who understands. One pedal at a time, you can create change in your life and the lives of others.

Get Started Now

• Access Immediate Crisis Text Support Lines: Reach out to crisis support lines to get the help you need right away.
• Go For A Ride or Join A Local Community Ride: Find strength and connection through group bike rides with others who understand.
• Download Resources To Understand Your Feelings: Access helpful resources that guide you through understanding and managing your emotions.
• Complete A Self Check-In Screening: Take a quick, confidential screening to assess your emotional state and find the right support.
• Receive Guidance From A Licensed Counselor: Connect with a licensed counselor for professional support and guidance tailored to your needs - costs may be associated with this service, potentially outside of insurance coverage.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to do this on your own. Let us help you take the first step, one pedal at a time.

We understand that your journey to healing may have many different phases, and we want you to know that help is available every step of the way. Whether you are facing a crisis, navigating through the pain of loss, or seeking support to better understand your emotions, these resources are here for you.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please reach out for help now via a phone call: 

• Crisis Line 988: Call or text 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.
• Substance Abuse Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Teen Lifeline: 1-800-248-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
• LGBTQ+ Helpline: 1-866-488-7386 
• Crisis Text Line: Visit www.crisistextline.org or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer.
• Say Something Anonymous Reporting System: Submit secure, anonymous safety concerns at www.sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips to help someone who may hurt themselves or others.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Visit www.veteranscrisisline.net, call 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), or text 838255 for support tailored to veterans and their families.