Human Connection Saves Lives

Van Buren Police Officer Adam Mask shared that responding to suicide attempts or mental health concerns has become a near-daily reality. Suicidal ideation and depression affect rich and poor alike—it does not discriminate and it demands our attention.

That shared urgency brought together providers, advocates, and community leaders in Crawford County, who recently gathered to confront one of the most difficult challenges facing local families—mental health and suicide prevention. Facilitated by Becky Petty, Crawford County Coordinator for the 100 Families Initiative, the meeting focused on understanding the factors that contribute to suicidal ideation and how collective efforts can save lives.

Rob Welbourn, Family Service Worker Specialist with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, shared a deeply personal story of survival. Once a pastor, he described how isolation led him to resign from ministry and disconnect from family, community, and faith. Ignoring his own depression and trying to maintain an image of strength only made things worse. Antidepressants and narcotics deepened his paranoia and suicidal tendencies, leading to a moment when he planned to end his life while his family was away.

His attempt was unsuccessful. When he woke in the hospital, a doctor told him: “You tried to kill yourself, but God said no.”

That moment marked the beginning of a new journey. Welbourn says it was through small groups, encouragement, and a renewed focus on biblical truth that he found healing.

"The office of pastor is the loneliest job on the planet,” reflected Welbourn and it was that loneliness that caused his mental health struggles to escalate. What made the greatest difference in his recovery was human connection—people willing to ask the hard questions and listen without judgment.

Officer Mask has seen this in his own work. “Isolation is one of the biggest warning signs.” Panelists agreed this needs to be met with real human connection.

For Officer Mask, that means prioritizing face-to-face interactions. "You can’t pick up on differences or that something is wrong via texting," he said, encouraging people to pay attention to their loved ones and ask questions.

Counselor Megan Reese of Alma High School spoke from both professional and personal experience about recognizing warning signs. As a mother, she has a house rule that her teenage children are not allowed to isolate in their room all evening.

"I’ve got to see you," she tells them.

In her work, she sees how quickly mental health struggles can show up through subtle changes—declining hygiene, poor attendance, or a lack of motivation. “They can’t tell you one good thing about themselves anymore,” she said, explaining the condition of students who are exhibiting signs of depression.

Reese also challenged a common misconception: “If you talk about it, then you’re putting it in their heads. Well, it is already in their head.” She encouraged open, compassionate dialogue that separates the person from their depression. “Name it and separate yourself from the depression and take its power away.”

To guide those important conversations, attendees discussed helpful follow-up questions when someone confides in you. Ask: How long have you felt this way, and how often do you think these things? What keeps you from acting on these thoughts? If there is something that prevents them from latching onto those thoughts—such as faith, family, or purpose—use that as a foundation to increase their hope and motivation.

Reese urged parents and educators to help youth connect to micro-communities within schools—clubs, sports, or mentorships that create belonging. “It’s all about relationship,” she said. Even resistant students often open up when adults take time for small side conversations and show genuine care.

Officer Mask noted that for officers, compassion must always come before procedure. “We still have to have those human connections,” he said.

“Everybody wants truth," echoes Welbourn, "Everybody wants genuine relationship."

Mask believes that simple kindness can make a life-changing difference. “Show love to everybody,” he said. “It doesn’t cost you a thing to do that, and that will go a long way—genuine love.”

Mask also offered a personal challenge to those in attendance: be prepared not only to recognize warning signs in others but to take an honest look inward. He reminded the group that everyone is vulnerable to mental health challenges, regardless of background or profession. He urged people to make the decision to reach out for counseling and support.

Across every story and profession—pastor, officer, counselor, advocate—the message was clear: the path to preventing suicide begins with human connection. Behind every intervention, every act of kindness, and every honest conversation is the potential to save a life.

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, the Crawford County community is being reminded that healing begins with presence—seeing one another, listening deeply, and showing genuine love. That’s the heart of prevention, and the essence of hope: the importance of human connection.