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Date: 12/26/2018
FEEDING HILLS – While the holidays can be a time of fun, family and joy to the world, it can be easy to forget that many people around the world struggle to find the holiday spirit and have difficulty with issues such as addiction, depression and self-harm.
Mass Support Services, an organization started by Executive Director Brandon Jewell in 2016, seeks to make days easier for those struggling by providing support and resources in Western Massachusetts. The organization was initially called Lifeline Support Center. Jewell explained, “The goal is to bring resources to the community of Western Mass. Before, it was mainly aimed at mental health awareness and suicide prevention. We recently got into the opioid crisis and supporting families who are left in the situation of raising a family member’s child.”
On the Mass Support Services website, residents can find a list of Narcotics Anonymous meetings, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and support groups in the community. Mass Support Services also works closely with SAVE Western Mass. SAVE Western Mass is a chapter of SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education,) a national non-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness for suicide prevention. In May 2019, SAVE Western Mass will sponsor the Emotions in Motion 5k Fun Run for Mental Health at School Street Park in Agawam.
The Emotions in Motion 5k Fun Run for Mental Health will raise proceeds to help fund educational programs that teach awareness, reduce stigma and provide a resource for those dealing with or affected by addiction, depression and suicide. Jewell shared, “We’ve noticed a lot of schools don’t want to offer that course because there's a fee. With this event coming up, the money we make is going to help pay for that.”
Jewell has a goal for the future of Mass Support Services. “Within the next few years, I’m hoping to have a little community center. I know Agawam has somewhat of a community center, but I want it to be a safe space for people to come and talk. Hopefully down the road, we can,” he said.
Many people suffering from addiction, depression and anxiety are often afraid to speak up, as there is a stigma around the topics. However, Jewell hopes that Mass Support Services encourages those suffering to speak up and seek help. Not only that, but for friends and family to notice the signs of a loved one that is in need. “Being in the grocery store, you bring up the topic of mental health and people are scared to talk about it. If we can openly talk about a heart condition, we should be able to talk about our mental health,” he said.
The work that Mass Support Services does for the community is personally important to Jewell. “I’ve lost friends due to suicide. People don’t want to talk about it. No one really noticed the signs. When you notice a friend not acting like themselves, it’s important,” he said.
For those seeking assistance with addiction or depression, several resources are available. The Behavioral Health Network Crisis Line is a 24/7 phone line dedicated to providing support for children, youth and adults experiencing trouble with mental health and addiction in the Springfield area. Their phone number is 733-6661. Nationally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 to help those who are experiencing symptoms of depression or suicide. Trained professionals can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. If speaking via text message is easier, there is also a Crisis Text Line that can be contacted by texting HOME to 741741. All of the above services are confidential. If you feel that you are a danger to yourself or others and are experiencing an emergency, please contact 911.
For more information on Mass Support Services, please visit www.masssupports.org.