Dear Nashville,

Whether you have lived here forever or only for a few days, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you lost your people, your house, your belongings, your safety, your job, your livelihood, your everything. The tornadoes devastated us all. The level of support on social media that night and the days and weeks following has truly been amazing. It’s made me truly happy I made the decision to call this place home three years ago. The community of all of the neighborhoods truly came together and continues to help those in need. I know how terrifying it was to hear the sirens, get the notification to your phone, or to simply wake up the next morning to a city that was destroyed. My heart goes out to all of the people affected by this disaster. We are here to help with the aftermath of anxiety, depression, fear, etc. You are not alone in this. Whether you feel that through social media, your local community, or in therapy. We want you to know that you don’t have to do this alone. 

To the students, parents, teachers, employees, administrators, etc. I’m sorry for the added stress to the end of the semester that has happened due to the virus that is spreading. To the parents questioning childcare for the time coming, the families who work hourly wages jobs, the university students that have to leave the place they call their temporary home, the seniors that might not have a graduation, the people who don’t know how they’ll pay their bills, we hear you. We hear that fear, that anxiety, that constant worry. This has been a life transition we didn’t expect. Especially not after the past few weeks we’ve had. Again Nashville, we are devastated. 

These past couple of weeks have increased symptoms for some and created new ones for others. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, tired, or even hopeless, please reach out to us. Please don’t let finances be the reason you’re not getting the mental health help that you need. We will figure something out. Nashville has been through hell and back and we want to continue this fight together. One day at a time. 

Be well,

Authored by: Chloe, M.S.