There was a night I nearly did not call anyone, and I will not pretend otherwise. What saved me was a number a buddy had pressed into my hand at a BBQ, months earlier, with the words: any time, man. Any time. I texted at 1 a.m. expecting nothing. He called back in four minutes and just talked with me until the sun came up. That conversation led to the VA, which led to counseling, which led to where I am now: stable, employed, and the one pressing numbers into hands at BBQs. If you are holding this story at 1 a.m., this is your nudge. Make the call. Call or text 988 and press 1. Someone will pick up.
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