Welcome to Thriving Mind
Home Get Help
Get Help
Get Started Adult Services Children and Youth Services Mental Health Services Substance Use Services Baker and Marchman Acts General Resources
Back
Initiatives
Initiatives
Initiatives and Programs Housing Services Opioid Treatment/CORE Peer Support Services Prevention Services Recovery-Oriented System of Care Child Welfare Sesame Street Partnership Trauma Recovery
Back
Our Providers
Our Providers
List of Providers Map of Providers
Back
About Us
About Us
Our Mission Leadership Department Directory Blog File A Grievance Careers News Reports
Back
Contact
Join Our Network
Join Our Network
Join Our Network Expression of Interest Form Policy
Back
Provider Resources
Provider Resources
DCF Contract and Amendments Network Provider Contract Document Updates Sponsorship Resources Procurement
Back
Calendars
Calendars
Meeting and Events Calendar Events Calendar Training Calendar
Back
Donate Crisis Support
Youth Board Member Shares Mental Health Journey
Blog Categories
Peer Spotlight (1)Mental Wellness (49)About Thriving Mind (1)Substance Use (6)Initiatives (7)Prevention Spotlight (1)Opioid Treatment (5)General News (93)Sesame Street (1)COVID-19 (5)Emergency Preparedness (2)Census (2) View All
She went from a ‘dark period’ in high school to preaching about suicide prevention

Miami Herald 

March 10, 2023

Mecca McCain remembers being as young as 11 when she first began cutting herself with a steak knife hidden in her bedroom.

The University of Miami junior remembers experiencing drastic mood swings, feeling sad, anxious and losing interest in activities, including her passion for fashion. She was one of a “handful of Black students at a predominately white, elite private school” in Washington and was not doing well in school. And, sometimes, she had suicidal thoughts.

“I wasn’t able to take care of myself, I had a really hard time, even getting out of bed to go to school in the morning, maintaining friendships. It was just a very, like, dark period for me,” said McCain, now 21. “And again, I didn’t know what it was, I didn’t know what to do. So, I kind of just kept everything to myself.”

Her mom, she said, saved her life by getting her started in therapy with a psychiatrist. Working with her mother, the physician admitted her to a psychiatric hospital during high school, where she began taking medications. She’s now a young adult presenter for the Miami-Dade chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness program “Ending the Silence,” a prevention and early intervention program for middle, high and college students.

“I went from thinking that I wouldn’t graduate high school to almost graduating UM … I went from dealing with haunting thoughts of suicide ideation to become a suicide prevention instructor,” said McCain during a recent panel discussion at NAMI Miami-Dade’s first South Florida Suicide Awareness conference at the University of Miami.

The conference comes during a time when many teens and adults are contending with mental health challenges brought on by the disruptions and isolation of the pandemic. The issue is particularly acute among teen girls, who are experiencing record high levels of violence, sadness and suicide risk, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

TEEN GIRLS EXPERIENCING INCREASED SADNESS

CDC SAYS Nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls “felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021 — double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade,” the CDC says. The report, which came out in February, also found more than half of LGBTQ+ students had recently experienced poor mental health and that more than 1 in 5 attempted suicide in the past year.

In Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the importance of mental health was pushed to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the school district working to identify at-risk students. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in children ages 10-14 and young adults ages 24-34, based on 2020 data, according to the CDC.

“They came back to us hurting and we’re still dealing with that fallout currently,” said Frank Zenere, a school psychologist and district coordinator for Miami-Dade Schools Crisis Program Division of the Office of Mental Health and Student Services.

Zenere said the school district is focusing on identifying at-risk students and is focused on preventing suicide through a variety of initiatives, including through mental wellness clubs. Partnering with NAMI and starting in September, all employees will receive two hours of suicide prevention training as part of the district’s efforts to become certified suicide prevention schools. The district also has a mobile response team and has contracted with mental health providers as part of its risk assessment and intervention strategy.

Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2020; an estimated 1.2 million adults attempted suicide that year, the CDC says.

HOW TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH, REDUCE SUICIDE IN SOUTH FLORIDA 

In South Florida, some of the challenges involve breaking the stigma around mental illness, particularly among Black and Hispanic communities, and ensuring those who need treatment can get access to high-quality affordable care, said Dr. Stephen McLeod-Bryan, a University of Miami clinical associate professor and president-elect of the Black Psychiatrists of America and Dr. Patricia Junquera, interim chair and associate professor of the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at Florida International University.

“Our communities more often than not are overrun with alcohol, drugs, guns and lack of opportunities… The opportunities to gain access to treatment, mental health providers that can specifically help those who are suffering from depression, anxiety, psychosis is less available,” said McLeod-Bryan.

He said that many Black people who need help often are seen in emergency rooms because they don’t know where to go for help or were taken there by law enforcement. And while the suicide rate in Blacks is not as high as among whites, “The gap between Blacks and whites is shrinking and its shrinking fast,” he said.

There also needs to be more Spanish-speaking providers who ask specific questions to understand how patients are feeling, and more information disseminated in Spanish about the importance of mental health, said Junquera.

Outreach is also critical, experts say. NAMI Miami-Dade offers a variety of free programs, including peer support groups and QPR, which is a suicide prevention training. The organization is hosting a walk for mental health awareness at loanDepot park, the home of the Miami Marlins, on May 20.

And most importantly, people at risk need to get help quickly, said John Newcomer, president and chief executive of Thriving Mind South Florida and Joseph Parks, medical director of the National Council on Mental Wellbeing.

The country, for example, has seen success with last year’s roll-out of 988, a three-digit phone number that connects people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, mental health crisis or emotional distress with trained crisis counselors via phone, text or chat. The free round-the-clock service, which was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, saw a 45% increase in overall volume last year compared to August 2021.

The average speed to answer has now decreased from 2.5 minutes to 42 seconds, with 80% of problems resolved on the phone, experts said during the conference.

But 988 is like a “funnel” and is only part of the solution, said Parks. At the local level, communities need to develop a Behavioral Health Crisis System to connect police, fire, hospitals and other facilities that interact with people experiencing mental health crisis and examine data to create or improve response plans, he said. Newcomer said there will soon be four mobile response teams in Miami-Dade County, up from one.

“Waiting lists for service is a waiting list for the next crisis,” said Parks.

For NAMI Miami-Dade’s list of programs and resources, visit NamiMiami.org

Click here for PDF of Herald article.

Photo of Mecca McCain
Make a Donation

Please enter a price

Please enter a description

Provider Calendar Form
If you have a flyer to go with event, please email a PDF version of your flyer to communications@thrivingmind.org
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Training Calendar Form
If you have a flyer to go with event, please email a PDF version of your flyer to communications@thrivingmind.org
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Job
General Resources
Thriving Mind
Translate
! Crisis Response
Make a DonationDonate
COA Accredited
COA Accredited

All Thriving Mind programs and services are available to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Learn More

What's New
Thriving Mind Trauma Recovery Efforts Cited in Report Detailing Historic Drop in Homicide in Miami-Dade
August 14, 2025
A report released Wednesday, August 13th, states Two Miami-Dade ZIP Codes Experienced Historic Drops in Homicide. That report cites three community partnerships, including Thriving Mind, that resulted in more safety in the region.
View Article
Senator Rouson Visits Thriving Mind-funded programs
August 12, 2025
Senator Darryl Rouson, a Democrat who represents the 16th District of Florida, visited South Florida recently to meet with Thriving Mind South Florida, some of its healthcare provider organizations and tour new programs funded by the Department of Children and Families and Thriving Mind.
View Article
Suicide Risk by Population
June 12, 2025
While anyone can experience suicide risk, some populations experience more negative social conditions and have higher rates of suicide or suicide attempts than the general U.S. population.
View Article
Peer Spotlight: Arianna's Story
June 2, 2025
Peer Spotlight: Arianna's Story
View Article
Congrats to Key Clubhouse on its Mental Health Luncheon
May 14, 2025
Congrats to Key Clubhouse on its Mental Health Luncheon
View Article
Important Links
  • Accessibility
  • Acute Care Bed Directory
  • Department Directory
  • File A Grievance
  • Careers
  • Leadership
  • Legal/Privacy
  • Procurement
  • Provider Listing
  • Contact Us
Follow Us on Instagram

thriving_mind_sf

A network of exceptional mental health and substance use treatment providers

Everyone can feel “blue” on occasion. Whether Everyone can feel “blue” on occasion. Whether it is the result of the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or the ending of a relationship; feelings of sadness or grief in response to these situations is perfectly normal. Depression, however, is more than just sadness.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/get-help/mental-health
Thriving Mind’s Ana Harris, Adult System of Care Thriving Mind’s Ana Harris, Adult System of Care Specialist, and Karol Diaz, Housing Coordinator, attended the City of Miami Lakes Fall Festival.
Talking about suicide is the first step in prevent Talking about suicide is the first step in preventing it. By challenging misconceptions and stopping the stigma around mental health, we can have conversations that lead to recovery for those who are struggling.
Click here for resources: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Join us, during #PreventionMonth (October) and yea Join us, during #PreventionMonth (October) and year-round, as partners in prevention! Visit: www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/campaigns-events #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Early prevention is critical. Visit: www.samhsa.go Early prevention is critical. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Studies have found that pet owners are less likely Studies have found that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets and playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
Click here for resources: www.thrivingmind.org
11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon 11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon 

On October 16, 2025, the South Florida Wellness Network, one of our valued providers, hosted its 11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon at their Miami site. The event brought together community members, advocates, and professionals to honor the transformative work of peer support in behavioral health and recovery.

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, food, and heartfelt connection, all set against a festive autumn-themed backdrop. Among the guests were Derek S. Moore, the Thriving Mind Peer Services Manager, whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration across peer-led initiatives in South Florida.

Also in attendance was The Honorable Donald "DJ" Cannava of the Domestic Violence Drug Court, accompanied by his dedicated staff. Their participation highlighted the growing recognition of peer support within the judicial system and its role in fostering recovery and resilience among individuals navigating complex life challenges.

The luncheon served not only as a celebration but as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, compassion, and shared lived experience.
Take control of your mental health. Mental Health Take control of your mental health. Mental Health America offers a free online screen test.

Tome el control de su salud mental. Mental Health America ofrece una prueba de detección gratuita en línea.

https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
From our friends @namimiami 💙✨ Updated Supp From our friends @namimiami 

💙✨ Updated Support Group Calendar at NAMI Miami-Dade

We’re excited to share our updated support group calendar, now available with all the latest information to help individuals and families navigate living with a mental health condition. Our peer-led groups, facilitated by individuals with lived experience, provide safe and welcoming spaces to share stories, build connections, and offer support.

Whether you’re looking for virtual, in-person, or specialized groups, we’ve got something for everyone. Our updated flyer makes it easy to find the group that best fits your needs! To register or discover more information, head to NAMIMiami.org/SupportGroups.

We’re also proud to highlight Caregiver Connection, an in-person space for caregivers to meet one-on-one with a Family Mentor for support and guidance. This program meets every Monday from 12:00–2:00 pm at NAMI Miami-Dade, offering a safe, understanding environment to talk, reflect, and get advice on navigating the challenges of caregiving.

For more details, explore our updated flyer or head to NAMIMiami.org/SupportGroups to find the group that best fits your needs. ✨💙
Thriving Mind | South Florida promotes access to e Thriving Mind | South Florida promotes access to effective, accountable and compassionate care for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We fund and oversee a safety net of services for uninsured individuals in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with support from the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, and other public and private sources.
Click here for help: www.thrivingmind.org
Thriving Mind’s CORE Network consists of a Fire Thriving Mind’s CORE Network consists of a Fire Rescue, a hospital, along with other receiving facilities.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
Jackson Behavioral Hospital
Agape Network
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami – Behavioral Health Services at St. Lukes Center
New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
The Village South, Inc
New Hope CORPS, Inc.
Banyan Health Systems
Comprehensive Psychiatric Center 
Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health Center

Go here for more info: https://thrivingmind.org/initiatives/opioid-treatment-miami
Prevention works by strengthening protective facto Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― at multiple levels. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Something to look out for when concerned that a pe Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. These signs are of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Pay attention and listen.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Do the youth in your community know that most of t Do the youth in your community know that most of their peers don’t use substances? Learn about social norms: www.hidta.org/adapt/prevention-intervention-resource-center #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Take these daily actions to care for your mental h Take these daily actions to care for your mental health, and with the 988 Florida Lifeline, get your health back on track.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Prevention works by strengthening protective facto Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, society. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth
Studies have found that taking a walk through natu Studies have found that taking a walk through nature produces measurable benefits for your mental health and may even reduce the risk of depression. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, found that participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area showed decreased activity in the region of the brain associated with depression when compared to people who walked in a high-traffic urban setting.
Click here for help: www.thrivingmind.org
Healing together is easier than fighting alone. S Healing together is easier than fighting alone. 
Sanar juntos es más fácil que luchar solos.

https://thrivingmind.org/csoc

https://www.myflfamilies.com/988

https://namimiami.org/
Are you or someone you love a victim of a crime (s Are you or someone you love a victim of a crime (shooting, stabbing, etc.)? Thriving Mind has a special program to help people recover from trauma?
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/initiatives/trauma-recovery
Your voice has power. Share your #MyPreventionStor Your voice has power. Share your #MyPreventionStory during #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #PreventionMonth
Follow on Instagram
Find Us On Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Follow Us On Twitter Connect On LinkedIn Watch Us On YouTube
© Copyright 2025.Thriving Mind | South Florida. All rights reserved.