There has always seemed to be a personal stigma surrounding therapy and asking for help. Fremd freshman Molly Kelly is an advocate hoping to close the therapy gap by creating a simple way to help others relieve stress.
“The therapy gap is the amount of people that might need help with mental illnesses and don’t receive it,” Kelly said. “The leading cause of that is personal stigma against therapy.”
Her solution to helping those in the community is the creation of Penny For Your Thoughts. Penny For Your Thoughts is a hotline—anyone can call (888-766-7028) anytime and leave a message. They can vent or talk about things that they need to let out.
“Our promise is that we’ll listen,” Kelly said.
The hotline ensures that someone on the other end always cares and listens to your message. A small group of Fremd volunteer students is linked to the number. Every time you leave a message, it will be assigned to a volunteer who will listen to it. If you’re uncomfortable calling, you can text the number, too, and there will also be someone on the other side who cares about your story.
Her inspiration for starting the hotline came after reflecting on her friend’s comment that venting over the phone helped relieve stress. Kelly began to wonder if she could help not only her friend but others as well. This led her to create a bullet journaling page before eventually making the hotline.
Some may ask why people call or text the hotline if they can use other ways to relieve stress. Kelly explains that the hotline is one of many channels for experiencing catharsis.
“Catharsis is like purification of the mind,” Kelly said. “It’s like getting rid of all of the negative thoughts via expelling them out your mouth.”
Even though the hotline doesn’t charge pennies, as the name may suggest, all Kelly wants to be taken away from the hotline is knowing that people feel known and understood.
“It just gets so lonely if one doesn’t feel understood,” Kelly said. “I just thought I’d love to help people experience [the comfort of sympathy].”
