Volunteer Spotlight - May 2023

Meet our Volunteer of the Month for May 2023 - Sam Glaubitz!

My name is Sam Glaubitz, and I am a volunteer for various nonprofits and local coalitions promoting mental health and suicide prevention, like NAMI and AFSP. I’m also neurodivergent, and a survivor of suicide attempts. I know what it’s like to struggle with chronic suicidal ideation, spending years at a time with crippling despair; unable to see a way out or above adversity. 

Today, I’m a Certified Peer Specialist for Burrell Behavioral Health’s Mobile Crisis Unit. Where I help peers make informed choices about their care, equip them with resources, and promote a self directed recovery. 

I know recovery is possible. For me, an important step was realizing that: not only can symptoms influence me, but I can influence them as well. Mental health conditions arise from a combination of nurture and nature; both stress vulnerability and genetic vulnerability. We address our genetic vulnerability; our genetic predispositions and chemical make up, with medication. But there’s not a medication that can treat trauma directly, only the symptoms of it. We treat the the stress vulnerability; traumas and experiences that shape our perceptions, with a stable Home, Health, Community, and Purpose. Cognitive therapy and natural supports. By our coping skills and routines, and by the way that we live our lives. And the very first step is reaching out for help.

Sam, the AFSP Missouri Chapter thanks you for all your work in helping save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide!

If you would like to join us on our mission, please click HERE.