Why I Listen: Alyssa

"Mental health isn’t always openly discussed in my culture. Growing up, there was an unspoken expectation to stay strong, keep emotions private, and push through challenges without asking for help. I saw how this silence made it harder for people to reach out, even when they needed support the most. When I started volunteering with the Distress Line and TeleCheck at DCH, I realized how powerful it is just to have someone truly listen.

Many of the callers I have spoken to feel alone in their struggles, unsure if anyone will understand or care. Some have never talked about their emotions before, and others just need a reminder that they are not alone. Whether it is a late-night distress call or a regular check-in with a senior through TeleCheck, every conversation is a chance to create a moment of connection. Even when there are no easy answers, just being there and listening without judgment can make all the difference.

I listen because I know how isolating it can feel to keep everything inside. I listen because I’ve seen how much it means to have a space where emotions are validated, not dismissed. And I listen because I believe that no one should have to go through their hardest moments alone."

Alyssa

DCH Volunteer