When it comes to social causes, there are some that touch a special place in our hearts. For P.A. Nikki Lytle, founder of Mental Health 1stnonprofit,educating others on mental health and how to recognize depression in others is an undertaking she has proudly accepted. Born and raised in Houston County, the local area is near and dear to Nikki’s heart. “I care about here,” she says. “And more than that, I care about the kids that are here. Their menta l health matters as much as their physical health and their education. ”Inspiring mental health awareness and promoting suicide prevention within the community, Nikki is bringing light to a subject that is too often swept under the rug. Nikki’s enthusiasm for suicide prevention stems from her personal struggles with depression. “I have been a physician’s assistant for over 20 years and dealt with depression for nearly 30 years,” Nikki tells me. “This eventually led to my finding my purpose in helping those dealing with depression. ”At the age of 19, Nikki was heartbroken over a boy whose name she cannot recall today. Devastated, she attempted to take her own life. “When you’re a teenager, you can’t see past right now,” she says. “I’ve been there and I totally get that. ”Having experienced the pain and heartache that can lead to suicidal thoughts, Nikki works to educate people on how to recognize depression in others and where to find help for oneself. “It’s much easier to help someone when you’ve been there yourself,” she says honestly. Her own experiences have changed the way she views others and helps her better relate to people dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. “Georgia ranks 51stout of the states for access to mental healthcare,” Nikki reports. As a PA working in mental health, she says, “There are not a lot of places to refer these people if they can’t get to our clinic. We don’t have the same care as other states.” It is truly unfortunate what little resources exist in our area, and Nikki sees the impact of this every day. In addition, Nikki reports that adolescents ages 11-14 are the fastest growing demographic that commit suicide .As a mother of four teenagers, Nikki sees the direct impact of children’s surroundings and their struggle to cope with their environment. With the advancement of technology has come the inability for kids to shield themselves from negative and hurtful content. Even at home, kids are bombarded with apps and nonstop mainstream media that tell them they are not enough. “We didn’t have that when we were growing up,” Nikki says. “If you didn’t want to talk to someone you just didn’t answer the phone. ”Now, however, bullies live in the very palms of our children. “Social media has changed everything, ”Nikki says. Children often feel that the only escape is drugs, sleep, or suicide, and it is time to do something to change this. Inspired to make a difference, Nikki decided to expand her passion for other’s well being outside of her medical practice. In 2021, she started the Mental Health 1stnonprofit. “Our mission statement is to work to prevent suicide and reduce stigma surrounding mental health treatment,” she says proudly. Mental Health 1staims to educate communities on how to respond to those that battle depression lovingly and without condemnation. Nikki talks about their various projects and initiatives. “The one we have going on right now is the mental health first aid kits for Houston County,” Nikki says. “We’re placing them in all the schools. Thirty-two thousand kids will get a mental health first aid kit. ”The mental health first aid kits include live safer candies, Kleenex, suicide prevention hotline numbers, and motivational cards. These items send an underlying message to encourage kids to be life savers and remind them that it is okay to cry and lend a shoulder to cry on. The motivational cards say things like, “You’re loved,” “You matter,” and “You’ve got this. ”The mental health first aid kits were funded by Project Aware, a large government grant that was given to the Houston County Board of Education. “They’ve used [the grant] for a lot of education, but they had enough to pay for a large portion of the kits. ”Several local businesses have offered their financial support as well. “These companies took a chance on a new nonprofit,” Nikki says with gratitude. It is because of their generosity that Mental Health 1stcontinues to reach the youth in middle Georgia. In honor of the Mental Health Awareness month, the mental health first aid kits were distributed throughout all the schools in middle Georgia in May of 2022. Nikki’s plans include making this project an annual occurrence. Nikki can often be found speaking at schools, churches and civic organizations to further spread awareness and educate a willing audience. Rarely at these events is she not approached by someone eager to discuss more resources and methods of helping a loved one. Nikki talks about how taboo discussions of depression and suicide used to be. “The world has come a long way. Nobody [used to] talk about it, ever. I think the best thing we can do is talk about it so people know there’s help out there. ”Nikki urges people to familiarize themselves with ways to spot depression and how to approach those that are hurting. “Talk to your friend, talk to your family,” she encourages. “Don’t be afraid to say the actual words Are you suicidal?’” If you do not take the opportunity now, you might not get the chance to later. Nikki reflects on her past and how it made her the person she is today. “I totally feel like everything happened like it was supposed to happen,” she says. “From a kidney stone to a miscarriage, to divorce, everything happened like it was supposed to happen so I could help. ”Nikki’s faith in the Lord is a driving force in the work she does to help others. She dreams of the day she will hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” when this life is over. Until then, she will continue the work God has placed on her heart, offering comfort and encouragement to as many people she can reach. In trying times, it is difficult to see the purpose of our present pain. But looking back, Nikki attests that our trials produce growth and perseverance to give us a beautiful, brighter future. Making a difference in the community starts with you. Check in with your loved ones today and let someone know that their life matters...because every life matters.