Imagine being a journalist who is a storyteller by trade, who can no longer walk into a hospital without being overwhelmed by fear.
That was the reality for Sam, a dedicated local news reporter assigned to cover the medical beat. Every time he stepped into a healthcare setting surrounded by white walls, antiseptic smells, and the clinical atmosphere, he was overcome by a terrifying sense of doom. These weren’t just nerves. They were full-blown panic attacks.
For someone whose job depended on entering these environments, this wasn’t just inconvenient. It was paralyzing. Sam feared this anxiety could cost him not just his job, but his entire career.
But Sam had a lifeline: Family Service of Roanoke Valley.
He reached out for help, and one of our compassionate counselors welcomed him without hesitation. With calm, consistent support, she taught him strategies to manage his anxiety. She introduced grounding techniques, guided breathing exercises, and most importantly, walked alongside him through his most difficult fears.
One day, she even accompanied Sam to the local blood bank, knowing the sight of blood was one of his biggest triggers. In that moment, Sam wasn’t alone. He had the tools, the support, and the courage to face his fear head-on.
He later said:
“Because of the techniques learned from my counselor, knowing that I could cope with the sight of blood gave me the greatest means of relief.”
Sam’s story is one of hundreds made possible by generous donors like you.
Every day, people in our community are suffering in silence with anxiety, trauma, and mental health struggles – many with no insurance, no safety net, and no idea where to turn. But thanks to your support, they do have somewhere to turn. They have Family Service.
Your gift provides life-changing mental health services to people in crisis, regardless of their ability to pay. Whether it’s a professional facing panic attacks, a child healing from trauma, or a family in conflict, your support means they don’t have to face it alone.
As the year draws to a close, we hope you’ll consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your compassion can help someone like Sam find peace, purpose, and the strength to keep going.
*Please note that the client’s name has been changed to protect their identity.
