Twizted Journeys winding road — the path forward through mental health
Mental Health

It's okay not
to be okay.

But you don't have to stay there alone. Twizted Journeys is here — not as a counseling service, but as a community that gets it, walks alongside you, and refuses to let you disappear.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act — and how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood.

Mental illness is common. It is not weakness. It is not something to be ashamed of. And it is not something people can just "get over." It requires care, connection, and sometimes professional support.

"It's okay not to be okay."

We say this not as a platitude — but as a promise that you won't be judged here.

Twizted Journeys community mental health awareness event Twizted Journeys mental health awareness graphic Twizted Journeys May 2022 community awareness event Twizted Journeys May 2022 mental health awareness gathering

Common Mental Health Conditions

Knowing the language helps break the stigma. These are real, treatable medical conditions.

Depression

More than sadness — depression is persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and often hopelessness. It affects millions and is highly treatable with the right support.

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Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition. Racing thoughts, physical tension, avoidance, panic — anxiety can feel overwhelming, but treatment works.

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Bipolar Disorder

Characterized by episodes of mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder can and do live full, meaningful lives with the right care and community support.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can follow any traumatic experience — not just combat. Flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing are real symptoms, not excuses.

Addiction & Co-Occurring

Substance use disorders often go hand-in-hand with mental illness. Twizted Journeys recognizes the connection and supports people navigating both.

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Grief & Loss

Losing someone to suicide, overdose, or illness creates a specific kind of grief. There is no timeline. Finding Forward exists for this exact journey.


Breaking the Stigma

Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people getting help. When mental illness is treated as weakness, failure, or something to be ashamed of — people suffer in silence. That silence kills.

Twizted Journeys was built to break that silence — loudly, visibly, and without apology. We ride. We walk. We share stories. We print names on shirts. We show up.

What stigma sounds like:

  • ❌ "Just think positive."
  • ❌ "You have so much to be grateful for."
  • ❌ "Others have it worse."
  • ❌ "It's all in your head."
  • ❌ "You're being dramatic."
  • ❌ "Push through it."

What support sounds like:

  • ✦ "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
  • ✦ "What do you need right now?"
  • ✦ "You don't have to explain yourself."
  • ✦ "Have you talked to anyone? I'll go with you."
  • ✦ "Your feelings are valid."
  • ✦ "Give tomorrow a chance."

Finding Forward

Finding Forward is Twizted Journeys' Tuesday evening peer support group — for suicide loss survivors and anyone navigating the hard walk after loss. Free. Low-barrier. Community-centered. Adults 18+. Open to all backgrounds and identities.

This is not a clinical group. It's a room full of people who understand — because they've been there too. No judgment. No pressure. Just community.

Email for Meeting Details

Small Steps Matter

Healing isn't linear. Some days surviving is enough. Here are small things that can help.

Move Your Body

Even a short walk changes brain chemistry. Twizted Journeys rides and walks aren't just events — they're intentional acts of forward motion, together.

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Say It Out Loud

Telling one person how you're really doing is one of the bravest things you can do. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be true.

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Reach for Help

Text 988. Text HOME to 741741. Email us. Show up to Finding Forward. Reaching is not weakness — it's the hardest and bravest step.


Mental Health Resources

Organizations and lines Twizted Journeys recommends.

Crisis Line

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7. For any mental health crisis — not just suicidal thoughts.

988lifeline.org
Crisis Texting

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741. Free. 24/7. No phone call required — just text.

crisistextline.org
TJ Partner

NAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness

Education, support groups (NAMI Family Support Group, NAMI Peer-to-Peer), and advocacy for mental health.

nami.org
TJ Partner

AFSP — American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Research, resources, and community walks. TJ is a proud AFSP advocate.

afsp.org
TJ Partner

Overdose Lifeline Indiana

Support and resources for those affected by addiction and overdose loss in Indiana.

overdoselifeline.org
Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988 and press 1. Or text 838255. Staffed by Veterans Affairs responders 24/7.

veteranscrisisline.net

If you are in crisis: Call or text 988 — free, 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741