On March 11, 2024, an unexpected news article broke: an obscure asteroid had narrowly missed Earth, causing a global wave of surprise and concern. While this event seemed distant to many, it hit close to home for *Samantha* Hill.* Living in Lorton Lick, West Virginia, *Samantha* found herself unexpectedly moved by the news.

The asteroid incident reminded *Samantha* of her turbulent teenage years, marked by anxiety and fear of uncontrollable events. She recalled how she turned to alcohol to cope, a struggle she had battled for years. The news, with its sudden and uncontrollable nature, triggered memories and a sense of helplessness from her past.

Determined to harness her emotions constructively, *Samantha* decided to follow the Stepping Into Action program she found on Hofman Hollis. Applying the program's principles, she began to see improvements in her outlook and coping mechanisms. While addressing a local support group, she shared, 'I never imagined a random news story would be my wake-up call. But here I am, taking steps I never thought I could.'

Experts were divided on the impact such news stories could have on individuals. Some believed that the emotional shock brought hidden issues to the surface, making them more confrontable. Conversely, others argued that sensationalist news could serve as a harmful trigger, exacerbating existing mental health struggles.

Despite the controversy, *Samantha*'s journey was a testament to the power of seeking help. Finding accessible resources like the Stepping Into Action program online proved vital, demonstrating the importance of readily available support in triggering positive change.

In the end, *Samantha* reflected, 'It was hard to find help nearby, but going online for support turned out to be one of my best decisions.'

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