The Other Side(96)

If I can do it, you can do it. Fight. Fight. FIGHT. For yourself. For happiness. For life. You deserve it all, my friend. You are a precious resource that cannot be replaced.

Help isn’t a four-letter word (technically it is, but you know what I mean), ask for it when you need it. Following is a list of amazing, selfless people who get up every day to be there for others in crisis, contact them if you need help or need to talk:



National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)



The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

www.afsp.org



Crisis Text Line

Text 741741



More Than Sad Program (a resource for parents and educators)

http://morethansad.org



Seize the Awkward (a resource offering tips to start conversations with friends or family related to mental health)

https://seizetheawkward.org



The Trevor Project (a resource for LGBTQ youth)

https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Call 1-866-488-7386



Veterans Crisis Line (a resource for veterans)

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Call 1-800-273-8255 press 1

Text 838255



The National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org

Call 1-800-799-7233

You can also contact a local safe house in your community.



RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

https://www.rainn.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline

Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)



SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)

https://www.samhsa.gov/

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)



Or in the event of an emergency call 911.



A portion of the proceeds for every copy of this book sold will be donated monthly to a charitable foundation doing outstanding work to raise awareness and assist those in need.





Acknowledgments





Otherwise known as a million heartfelt thank yous from a beyond grateful girl.





I’ll start with you. Yes, you. There are so many books out there to choose—thank you for choosing this one. I appreciate you so very much. I’m hugging you tight.

Thank you to the following women, who I not only look up to, respect, and admire, but who spent hours reading this book in its rough draft form and offered thoughtful feedback and suggestions to help me write the best book I could: Beth Flynn, Brandy Toler, Diane Hambric, Gemma Hitchen, Lindsey Burdick, Peggy Tran, Rebecca Donovan, Shannon O’Neill, and Susan Rossman. This book is very personal and terrifying to put out into the world. You were my backbone when I needed it. Thank you for your support in all ways. Love you like crazy!

Thank you to Gemma Hitchen for being a legend in the friendship department. I probably wouldn’t have started this book if you hadn’t sent me that link to “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay a few years ago and said, “I know you don’t really like Coldplay, but you have to listen to this.” That song turned into me thinking about Toby as a character and everything snowballed from there. Your friendship means everything to me. You are the Jama to my Tiaco. Love you, bestie!

Thank you to Beth Flynn, my soul sister, for always (and I mean ALWAYS) being there to listen and hold my hand when I need it most. I don’t know what I would do without you. Love you, sis!

Thank you to Anne Eliot for coffee dates/writing time/Laini Taylor fangirl sessions/plotting wisdom/listening, listening, listening/teaching me all the technical things/cheerleading like a mofo. I wouldn’t have finished this book without you. Love you!

Thank you to Peggy Tran for being my #soulduster and partner in crime when it comes to tacos, margaritas, and stalking authors locally. Your pure soul is such a gift and I feel incredibly lucky to call you my friend. I couldn’t have finished this book without your kind offer to step in and talk it through with me when I needed it most. Love you!

Thank you to Rebecca Donovan for making my life brighter from the moment you walked into it. We share the same brain when it comes to health and wellness, and most importantly music. I’m thankful the book world brought us together, even if it’s just a small part of the things that bond us. Love you!

Thank you to Susan Rossman for being the epitome of class, intelligence, bravery, and kindness. I know I’ve told you this before, but I have ALL the respect for you. The way you tackle the world is inspiring. Love you!

Thank you to Diane Hambric for having one of the most generous hearts I’ve ever known. And fantastic taste in music, thank you for that too. Love you!

Thank you to Lindsey Burdick for being the most honest person I’ve ever met. You wear your heart on your sleeve and would do anything for anyone. You continually teach me what it means to be a good person. Thank you for setting the example for the rest of us to follow. Love you!

Thank you to Shannon O’Neill for being nice personified. You welcome everyone into your life with kindness and without judgment. It’s a beautiful thing. You are a reminder of everything that’s good in the world. Love you!

Thank you to Brandy Toler for being my Love Mama. We get far too little time together, but every time we do, your gift for storytelling (because outrageous situations are the moth, and you are their irresistible flame) always astounds me. You never fail to make me laugh. Your friendship fills me to bursting. Love you, Mama!