Hello everyone,

Daisy, my service dog and best friend of eleven years recently passed away. I need to take some time off to grieve in my own way. It’s odd, I don’t have a customary job. I don’t work in an office. I don’t have a boss. I don’t answer to anyone but you — my followers. So, I’m coming to you now. I’m here to give you my notice.

I’m taking a break from blogging and posting to social networks affiliated with my blog for a bit. I’ll be around. I might even post some if I’m feeling inspired. Posting can be therapeutic at times. It’s a nice release. It can be a nice escape from the world. But I’m not going to hold myself to posting daily. I won’t be responding to messages as punctually. I’m not ignoring you. You matter. I’m just on a break.

I know many of you depend on me to answer your messages. Many of you contact me looking for mental health resources. Many of you contact me in times of crisis. I take the responsibility seriously and I sincerely care about you. I want you to know that you are not alone. I’m sorry that I might not be here for you during a time of need. I’m not leaving you with nothing. At the end of this post you will find a list of mental health resources and hotlines that I have shared with people recently. Please use them if you need them.

Many people have asked how I am. I’m here. I’m breathing. I will be okay. Daisy was diagnosed with cancer roughly three months ago. She had emergency surgeries and chemotherapy. I knew she would pass, eventually. But I had no idea it would be this soon. I’ve been caught by surprise. Grief is tough, whether you can see or coming or not. Although, I’m extremely comforted that her passing was peaceful and natural.

I plan to write some blog posts about her in the near future. I actually tried to write one yesterday, but I quickly found that it is simply too difficult at this time. Many of you followed Daisy’s story. Many of you prayed for her. Many of you cried for her. Many of you loved her. I want to finish her story for you, I feel like I owe it to you, but right now I just can’t.

For the last few days, I’ve been staying strong for those around me. For the animals that are still here. For my family. For all the animals and people who have been impacted by Daisy’s passing. But I’m ready to stop being strong. And to do that I must take a step back.

I’m not sure why I felt the need to share this with all of you. Perhaps it’s part of my process. Announcing that I’m ready to grieve. Letting you know that I’m not ignoring you. I’m simply taking time for myself.

I appreciate you. Every single person that reads my blog or visits social networks affiliated with my blog. You mean a great deal to me. I know you will be here when I return. I know you will be fine during my absence.

You are spectacular.

Sincerely, Elizabeth
Uncustomary Housewife

Please, continue reading for a list of mental health resources and hotlines.

Crisis and Mental Health Resources

Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis.
United States: Text HOME to 741741
United Kingdom: Text HOME to 85258
Canada: Text HOME to 686868
Web: www.crisistextline.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, whether they are considering suicide or not, please call the toll-free Lifeline to speak with a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7.
Call: 1-800-273-TALK
Web: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
Trevor Text: Text START to 678678
Web: www.thetrevorproject.org

Trans Lifeline
The Trans Lifeline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. If you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, call.
United States: 1-877-565-8860
Canada: 1-877-330-6366
Web: www.translifeline.org

National Domestic Abuse Hotline
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information.
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE
Web: www.thehotline.org

Veterans Crisis Line
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
Call: 1-800-273-8255
Text: 838255
Web: www.veteranscrisisline.net

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
The world of mental health is complicated and can be difficult to navigate.  HelpLine staff and volunteers are prepared to answer your questions about mental health symptoms, treatments, support groups, education programs, and more. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10am – 6pm ET.
Call: 1-800-950-NAMI
Web: www.nami.org

Substance Abuse Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Web: www.samhsa.gov
Find Treatment: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Supportive Communities
For a list of mental health support systems and online communities, visit my blog post; Uncustomary Housewife – Mental Health Support Systems and Communities.

Emergency – Call 911
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for an officer trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

You matter. Keep breathing. You are spectacular.

The photos featured in this post were captured by William + Kristen Photography.