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Meet Lixian (he/they)! Crisis Responder with THRIVE since July 2022
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Lixian is a New Yorker living in New Jersey, an interactive fiction writer, occasional developer of static websites, and an aspiring polyglot. When they're not sitting on their laptop, they're playing their Nintendo Switch or trying really hard to read a non-fiction book. They're also neurodivergent and transmasculine.
Where in the world would you like to live for a year and why? "My dad didn't tell me a lot about his place of origin, I think probably because of a lot of obvious diasporic reasons. So I would like to live in Shantou, China for a bit and find out the history of the land. Maybe run into some very distant family."
If there were no limitations, what would you like to accomplish in your lifetime? "If I had no limitations, I would just push out a lot of writing projects. College burnout and repetitious lifestyle caused by the pandemic has led to a lot of "writer's block". I would like to release a few games and a few zines. Honestly, my ideal life is just sitting home being a little academic without the restraints of the actual academia. Like I want to write an analysis free of judgement about how Silent Hill is a poetic game about grief and not just about aliens."
What motivated you to contribute to THRIVE? "I wanted to find an LGBT+ organization to contribute to, while not leaving my room or laptop for a multitude of reasons. The topic of crisis also interested me because I felt like it was something that was more associated with helping with a person's social needs rather than solely focusing on diagnosis. I also had a lot of anxieties around vulnerability and discomfort with topics like suicide and depression, so I saw THRIVE as a learning and self-discovery opportunity."
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What have you found most meaningful about your training and / or mentorship experiences with THRIVE? "I found the sense of teamwork, accountability, and overall gentle communication very meaningful. I learned a lot and was given feedback that was beautifully empowering and was also given room to learn, realize my mistakes, and think critically about them. I'm always told that most places will punish you or that other members will see you as inferior, so I've often been scared to try new experiences because of that. But at THRIVE I learned how to be more accepting of myself."
How would you describe the landscape of mental health support for people with multiply marginalized identities / people in your direct communities? "The landscape of mental health is pretty lacking in most places despite that there's organizations and practices being built every other day. People with marginalized identities struggle to find similar marginalized mental health workers or have difficulty even becoming a provider. I believe there is a lack of affordable services, but at the same time a lot of free or affordable services are not enough. I believe for the Black/Latine community there needs to be more community mental health services, but solely psychotherapy services will not exactly resolve the issues in the community, because much of the issues are caused by poverty or displacement from countries of origin. So I believe that there needs to be more economic relief, sanctuary and support away from carceral structures, and educational programs. The things listed should be part of the mental health programs."
What makes THRIVE unique? "I think what makes THRIVE unique compared to other crisis lines is its focus on ensuring that texters are doing self-care and not just a cold communication form of active listening. I have texted other crisis lines that have had texters respond in a very robotic manner and just link resources. THRIVE's form of crisis response ensures that texters feel safe and comforted rather than just stabilized. I also think THRIVE policies regarding consent for 911 is a big attraction for a lot of people due to the rise in police taking over MH roles."
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Navigating identity or mental health concerns, and wanting to talk to someone who gets it? Text "THRIVE" to +1.313.662.8209, anytime. Whoever you are, wherever you are, THRIVE is here for you.
It is an honor to share space with you.
Please note: As a 988 alternative, we seek to deescalate, to meet you where you are, and to form relevant safety plans together with you. We do not practice non-consensual active rescue. When you reach out to THRIVE, we value your consent and your safety.
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Do you want to help your communities live and thrive, while finding an affirming community and professional development for yourself? Apply for our RECRUIT internship program today!
We will:
- Meet you where you are as a student who experiences marginalization
- Empower you and give you undeniable professional experience
- Equip you with the skills to directly impact the lives of others who may share your intersecting identities and experiences.
Applications close on May 26, 2023 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The internship will run from August 20, 2023 to August 17, 2024, with a total stipend of $4500. On average, RECRUITs can expect to work approximately 6 hours per week for 50 weeks.
Whatever your experience level, we welcome you and are honored to grow alongside you.
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If you are able to, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today!
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Are you Trans or Nonbinary, or are you questioning your gender?
Join our TRANS discord server to connect with a supportive community who will care for you, and receive a free deck of affirmation cards!
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