Have a listen to our latest episode with Lauren Ball, a Virginia Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, share her experience, strength and hope around the issue of suicide and how she bring help, hope and healing to peers who struggle with similar issues in her local community. Please note: The drop in support groups mentioned are for those seeking recovery from addiction and co-occurring addiction and mental health.

*Trigger Warning* As May comes to a close and the official observance of Mental Health Month, we felt this is an important topic to discuss to bring support and help remove stigma. This podcast does not go into detail about suicidal thoughts etc. Rather, it is a discussion of how to overcome such struggles. Still, please use caution if this subject matter may be triggering for you. As always, do NOT hesitate to reach out for help. You can always call or text the number 988 for safe, non-judgmental, anonymous and confidential support 24/7/365.

Lauren Ball, Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, is the Outreach Substance Use Peer Recovery Specialist at the Rappahannock Area Community Service Board. In addition, she is a WRAP Facilitator as well as a Nami Connections Group Facilitator.