In light of yet another tragic school shooting, our hearts ache for the lives lost, the families grieving, and the communities forever changed. These devastating events are a painful reminder of how essential mental health awareness is—and how we, as a society, need to provide more support, resources, and compassion for those struggling.
The Power of Mental Health Advocates
Mental health is often misunderstood, overlooked, or stigmatized. But the truth is, we all face challenges in life that can impact our emotional and mental well-being. Whether it’s stress, grief, trauma, or struggles we don’t fully understand, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Advocates play a critical role in breaking the stigma. They are the voices reminding us that it’s okay to not be okay and that we don’t need to carry our struggles alone. They encourage us to recognize when we—or the people around us—might need professional help, whether from a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor.
Therapy is not taboo. Psychiatry is not a failure. Mental health struggles are real and deserve to be treated with the same care as physical illnesses.
Recognizing When Help Is Needed
It’s important to recognize the signs that we, or someone close to us, may need extra support:
• Persistent sadness, anger, or hopelessness
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities once enjoyed
• Changes in behavior, eating habits, or sleeping patterns
• Unexplained feelings of anxiety or fear
• Expressing thoughts of harming oneself or others
We must create safe spaces where people can open up without judgment. Encouraging conversations about emotions, struggles, and mental health saves lives. Sometimes, a listening ear is enough, but a trained professional can often provide tools, strategies, and treatment to help navigate challenges and heal.
Why We Write: Books That Make a Difference
At Purple Diamond Press, we believe deeply in the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and make a positive impact. Our mission has always been to create books that foster kindness, inclusion, and understanding—desperately needed values in times like these.
We started writing because we saw an opportunity to address complex topics in a way children could understand. Stories like What If We Were All Friends!, Seen and Just Because… by author C.M. Harris teaches compassion, kindness, and the importance of acceptance. These books spark meaningful conversations, helping children understand emotions, celebrate differences, and treat others with care.
Through our work, we hope to plant seeds of empathy and understanding that will grow as children become adults. Every book is crafted with the belief that words have power—the power to heal, the power to educate, and the power to change lives.
Moving Forward Together
The tragedies we face as a society remind us to support each other more. We need mental health advocates in schools, families, and communities. We need resources for those who are struggling, and we need to let go of the idea that seeking help is something to be ashamed of.
At Purple Diamond Press, we will continue to do our part by writing books that encourage children to be kind, inclusive, and understanding. However, as individuals, we can all advocate for better mental health resources and break the silence.
Let’s start conversations, create safe spaces, and teach our children that it’s okay to ask for help and that kindness and understanding can make a difference in someone’s life.
Together, we can work toward a future where tragedies like this are no longer headlines but history.
For more resources on mental health support or to learn about our books that make a difference, visit The Suicide Prevention Website
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted professional or mental health resource. Help is available, and no one is alone.
Our hearts mourn for the victims, families, and community.
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